Date: Mon, 15 Oct 2001 16:41:09 -0700 (PDT) From: Sky Pro <skypro21@yahoo.com> Subject: B-Boys, Chapter 11 B-Boys by Skyler ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Eleven: They drove to the coffee house in silence, each lost in his thoughts. Blake felt better just having Brock with him. After all that had gone wrong today, finally something felt right. That familiar safe and happy feeling returned to both boys. It was still so early in the day, yet Blake was already exhausted. It just seemed so hard to believe, really. Two years of hard work destroyed in just a matter of minutes. He had no idea where to go, what to do. His whole world, it seemed, had just fallen apart. The incredible confusion and lack of direction he was feeling at that moment were new to him. No matter what troubles he'd encountered in the past, Blake always found a way to keep going. It wasn't as if he couldn't do his job anymore. He'd taken plenty of clients with him and the cash settlement would allow him to set up a very nice office of his own, if he wanted. It was just so strange, kind of like his family had abandoned him. That place had taught him everything he knew about the business, and there was always someone around to help guide him, someone else that always made the big decisions. The idea that no one would be there anymore, that he would be solely responsible for his own destiny, was rather frightening. Brock could sense his friend's tension and it really bothered him to see Blake upset. It felt so right just being together, he thought. Reality began setting in for him, too, however. Life had always been easy for Brock Mikels. Opportunities just seemed to fall into his lap, but now things were changing. Since everyone seemed to know about them now, they would have to be prepared for a different reception. As happy as Brock was with his life and relationship, fear was beginning to resonate within the very depths of his soul. He was afraid of what people might say, what they might do. He was scared of losing his love, that something might tear them apart. For the first time in his life, the future was beginning to seem uncertain. Though he had not yet experienced any type of discrimination by others, he knew that would start soon. The fact that it had happened to his boyfriend so quickly was really scary. The coffee house was fairly empty when they arrived, which was nice, since they would be able to talk in peace. Blake ordered his usual, a double espresso with amaretto; Brock had cafe mocha and they took a table on the 2nd floor, near the back, providing them with optimal privacy. The boys sipped their drinks in silence for a while, watching each other. Blake finally decided to break the silence, speaking softly. "I'm so tired, babe. In just one single day, everything's gone and changed on me. I don't have any idea what to do." "I know and I'm sorry. I'm sorry that they hurt you, Blake, and I'm scared, too. Doesn't seem like many people around here take new things very well." Just then, Blake's cell phone rings, interrupting their quiet conversation. "Hello?" Brock couldn't tell what was being said on the other end after Blake answered, but grew concerned as his lover's expression became one of shock, then horror. "Okay, calm down. We'll be right there." Blake hung up the phone, wondering if things could get much worse. "What's wrong?" Brock asked. Blake took a deep breath, sighed, and then told him. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Thirteen: Everything seemed to be happening so fast. As Blake sped toward the hospital, my mind raced, desperately trying to comprehend and somehow rationalize what had occurred. It just didn't make any sense! But as my father often said, few terrible actions ever did. It was all just senseless violence, really. We met Brady in the hall, talking to Bill's parents. He looked beat as he came over to us, throwing his arms around Blake and sobbing softly. "I just can't believe it..." He cried. "I know, cousin, I know." Blake softly whispered, still holding him. Brady stood, wiping away his tears, as Bill's mom and dad came over to us. Introductions were exchanged quickly, though we'd all known each other for years. "I suppose you'd like to see him." His mother said quietly, leading us down the hall. I was overwhelmed at first by the smell, that scent of sterility that pervades everything in a hospital. That alone made me sick to my stomach. The room was otherwise drab and dim, blinds drawn so that the only light came from the overhead fluorescent lamps, themselves feeling very cold and unfriendly. As if lights had personality or attributes like people. I'm definitely not thinking clearly, my mind cloudy and cluttered with a whirlwind of thoughts and fears. You could barely see him through all the machines; wires and tubes running every which way that surrounded the bed. Fluids were dripping everywhere; he had a tube down his throat. It appeared there was even a device that breathed for him. This was not Bill, just a bunch of machines powering an otherwise lifeless body. "The doctors say he was beaten so badly that much of his body has shut down, to protect itself." Mr. Edwards said softly. "They think there was... severe... brain damage, but aren't going to be sure until they run some tests." Bill's mom said. This information was just too much for Brady. He moved slowly to the bedside, staring blankly at our friend. With great effort, he took Bill's warm, lifeless hand into his own, softly caressing it, face totally devoid of expression. Brady's eyes closed and his breathing quickened as he began to cry. Blake and I clasped hands tightly, watching in confusion and fear. I could feel my lover's confusion; he was unsure what to do now. His first instinct, I'm sure, was to rush over and comfort Brady, but we both knew that wouldn't be right. They needed this moment, to be alone together, at least in part, one more time. After a few moments, Bill's father walked up beside Brady, placing an arm around his shoulders. "We know he loves you very much and must be glad you are here now. He talks about you all the time, son. You are very special to him and I just want to tell you how thankful his mother and I are that you are in his life." The two hugged closely, crying together. "If it wasn't for me, sir, this wouldn't have happened. I'm so sorry..." Brady whispered through his tears. Mrs. Edwards moved in then, touching his arm lightly. "Sweetheart, please don't blame yourself. Bill is very proud of who he is and especially proud of you. He tells me that all the time. And we are immensely proud of our son for the honest way he lives. We're proud of all you boys, for your strength, integrity and strong friendship. Bad things sometimes will happen to good people, Brady. Don't be ashamed of who you are, not now. Doing that only admits defeat and rejects Bill's love for you. Then those people who did this win." "Don't give up on yourself, Brady and please don't give up on our son. He never gave up on you and needs you now more than ever before." "I know," Said Brady, "I need him, too. He is the only thing that matters to me. Can he hear me? Do you hear me, babe? I need you. Come back to me, Bill. I love you and can't imagine having to face a single day alone. Come back, baby. Please, come back.." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Okay, another chapter down. Please keep me updated on your thoughts about the progress of this story. Don't forget to e-mail me (Skypro21@yahoo.com). Peace! -Skyler