Date: Sun, 02 Jul 2000 02:14:43 CDT From: D Man <d_man116@hotmail.com> Subject: That's Life- Chapter One That's Life Disclaimer: The following story is just fiction. It does not imply the sexuality of anybody in this story. If you are underage, please do not read the story. If you are offended by this type of story or your city does not allow this material, please stop. If you pass, then go on and read. If not, how am I supposed to know. Author's Note: This is my first attempt at writing this type of story. I bet you have heard this line many times. Well, that's life. I just wanted to give you a little on my style of writing this story. It will be third person omniscient. All sentences that are in parenthesis will only be see in conversation and that is only to point out the thoughts the character has that moment. Any sentences in brackets will only be seen in conversation. It will explain the actions that the narrator sees. That's about it. Have fun reading and email me at d_man116@hotmail.com if you like or don't. Chapter 1: The Beginning Darryl walked out of the bathroom to see his girlfriend still sleeping. He was amazed by the beauty that God had given her. He couldn't see anything wrong with this relationship. It was definitely perfect or was it? Darryl had his problems, but he felt that she didn't need to know. His philosophy was "it can't hurt what you don't know." After minutes of staring at his goddess, she began to wake up. Hot crawled onto the bed and kissed her gently, but passionately on the lips. They finally stopped after minutes showing their affection towards each other. She slowly rose from the bed and went into the bathroom to prepare for a new day that would change both their lives, right? Darryl began thinking about his relationship again. It was the perfect relationship, a man and a girl that were in love. Nothing could be wrong with this situation except for the fact that he was bisexual, but he was mainly attracted to more guys than gals. He had known for a while, but never had the courage to come out of the closet to anybody. Fear of rejection always triggered in his mind when he felt it was time to tell somebody. His family wasn't very close. They never were affectionate, and he always had a problem to get along with his parents, for the fact that they were homophobic, so he never developed a true bond with his parents. Something he would later regret, but only time will tell that story. At that time his only outlet was through the internet. The home to many people that hide secrets behind the persona they actually revealed to the real world. He was brought back to reality when his girlfriend started to yell at him. "Are you listening to me? I've been calling your name for minutes. What were you thinking about?" "I was only thinking about you, baby." (It can't hurt what you don't know.) "You are so sweet. Are you almost ready to go to the airport?" "I'm ready. Let me grab my journal and laptop, and we will be on our way." "You better hurry. You don't want to be late, and I want to say good-bye." "Alright. I got the things. Let's jet." As Darryl's girlfriend was driving to the airport, he began to think about his relationship with Deanna. He had been with Deanna for two years. Last night he gave his virginity, something he wanted to hold out to until marriage, but he felt this would last forever. Why hold out so long? He knew he wasn't ready for marriage yet, but he knew they would be one day. As long as she didn't know about his secret, nothing bad could happen. "We're here." "Thanks for the ride, honey." "Good-bye and Happy Birthday. Have fun hanging out with Kyle, but not too much. I will see you in a month." "Bye. I'll try not to." "Get out of here before I slap you." "You wouldn't do that to somebody this good lookin, would you?" (Giving her one of his infamous cheesy smiles.) "You know I wouldn't, but there is always time for change. Now go. You don't want to be late. Bye." They gave each other a kiss and a hug and were ready to embark on a new life. Too bad that neither one knew it. Like Darryl's philosophy, "it can't hurt what you don't know," but can it? Darryl checked in and walked to his gate. He sat there staring in space for thirty minutes. He kept wondering what he was going to do on his vacation. He was prepared for relaxation and partying. He began to remember all the times that Kyle helped him with his problems. He was a great friend. Their bond couldn't be broken, could it? He was brought back to the real world when he heard the announcer announced the departure of his flight. He walked onto the plane and headed to his seat. Seat 26B. He mumbled a few words, but nobody heard him. He would be stuck in the middle in the last row on the plane. Can life get any worse? The plane took off, and everything seemed ok. His fellow fliers were kind and tried to mind their own business. Something Darryl enjoyed. He would finally get some privacy and R&R. He decided it was time to write in his journal. The journal. It was a diary, but called a journal for masculinity reasons. He didn't want to be seen as a pansy in the eyes of his friends, even though he knew he was. They made joke towards him about being gay, but he knew they were just teasing. Even though it was just a tease, it still hurt at times. These were the things that he kept in his journal. He also wrote small verses to get out his emotions. One day he wanted to be a songwriter, but in the mean time it was his hobby, but truly a passion. Nobody got to see, not Deanna, not his parents, nobody. Only one set of eyes read the journal and that was he. ************************************************************************ June 19, 2002 Happy Birthday to me! I am finally going to do it. I am going to meet Kyle. I am positive that this is going to be an unforgettable month for me. I am sure we can find a lot of things to do. He promised he would take me out on the town. He says he even has a surprise for me. I can't wait to see what it is. He has been such a good friend to me. He has helped me to come terms with my sexuality, but you already know. I think I have already written this back in March of 2000. It was about time that we meet. I can't wait. Just another hour and I will be there. Lyrical Entry: Life makes its certain turns Sometimes good but while others bad But with a trusting friend by you side You can get through without a fight ************************************************************************ As soon as finished this entry, a smile crept on his face. He couldn't wait to see Kyle. He couldn't wait to see his surprise. Mainly he couldn't win. The plane landed, and Darryl couldn't wait to see Kyle. He ran off the plane in search of his friend. They have been talking online for almost three years. He just received a picture of his friend, so they could easily find each other in the airport. He walked around the around the airport and searched for Kyle. He kept looking, but couldn't see anybody that came close to the picture that he had received. Thirty minutes passed, and Kyle still hadn't shown up. Darryl didn't worry. He thought that Kyle was just running late. He would show up as soon as he could. Out of the blue, Darryl heard his name. He turned around, and there was a guy standing there. He was holding a sign with Darryl's name. The man was incredibly gorgeous. He was wearing a pair of sunglasses and a cap, but anybody could still recognize his unbelievable features. The guy looked familiar, but he wasn't Kyle. Who was this man, and why did he look so familiar? "Hi, I'm Darryl." "Hi, I'm Josh. Sorry I took so long. I had to run some errands, and I lost track of time." "That's ok." (Not really. I've been here forever. I wouldn't mind Kyle being late, but not this guy. I don't even know who this guy is.) "Where's Kyle?" "He had to work today. He was called in this morning. He says that he is really sorry and that he will see us this afternoon." "That cool. By the way, how come you sound and look so familiar. I don't think we have actually met, have we?" "Not really, but I am sure you have seen me around. I told you I was Josh, but better known as JC from N Sync." (Wow. JC from N Sync. I can't believe it. That bastard. I'm going to kill Kyle. I got to act cool.) "That's where I've seen you. So how did you become friends with Kyle? And by the way your music is ok." (Good, now he won't think I am into him and his group.) "For your last remark, my ass. Kyle has told me all about you, and how much of a fan you are. So act yourself. It's better that way, and for your question, I met Kyle online. Let's say I got to know him the same way that you did." (What a jerk. I try to stay cool, and he calls me out on it. Wait a minute. OMG! He knows that I'm gay. I've admired him so much, and now he knows my worst secret. What am I going to do?) So what are we going to do while we wait for Kyle. "I was thinking that we could go grab something to eat, and then do a little shopping if you like." "Ummm... Sure. Aren't you afraid that people will mob us in the mall?" "Don't worry. I got everything taken care of. You could barely recognized me with this disguised, so if I can trick a die-hard fan, then I think I can take care of some kids." "I'm not that big of a fan. Even if I was, I have a thing called self-control. Not many thirteen year olds have that." "Just keep thinking that buddy. If you don't you are a die-hard fan now, I will make sure you will be at the end of this month." "Whatever." (Why is he calling me buddy? He might be Kyle's friend, but he's not mine.) "You can try all you want, but you aren't going to succeed. Now how about that lunch. I am quite hungry." "Ok. Let's go. Where you want to eat?" "How about McDonalds? I love that stuff." "Ok. Whatever you want. But remember never say that I didn't treat you well." "Whatever." (This guy is getting on my nerves.) The guys jumped into the jeep and took off to McDonalds. They ate for an hour and talked about various things in their lives. Actually, Josh was doing much of the talking. Darryl learned there was more to Josh's life than just music. Josh was a lot opened than Darryl. Darryl just didn't have the trust to open himself up like he did with Kyle. After they were done, they decided to head back to Kyle's and wait for him to come home from work instead of heading to the mall. "Just drop off your things in the guest room, second door on the right." "Thanks." Darryl entered the room and placed his clothes into the drawers. He was about to go back out into the living room to talk to Josh, but he saw that Josh was going to make a phone call. "Time to do some eavesdropping." [He said quietly to himself.] "Hey TJ." "Hey wussup?" "Nothing much. I'm doing some babysitting." "Babysitting?" "Yeah, I'm watching Kyle's friend right now. He had to go to work. So I'm here waiting for him." That was enough. He thought he had clicked with Josh when they were talking at McDonalds even though Darryl didn't really open up. They had a lot in common. He even forgave Josh for his comment earlier in the airport, but now he was pissed off and stopped listening to Josh. He could take care of himself. He didn't need any babysitter. He was now eighteen and capable of taking care of himself. He would show Josh that he didn't need anyone. Darryl decided to watch some television. He flipped through the channels and there seem to be nothing to watch. He was about to turn off the television when he caught a glimpse of Josh on the MMC. He started to crack up. "Hey I gotta go. I need to see what Darryl is doing. He is laughing and this is the first time I've seen him happy, hopefully." [Hangs up the phone] "What are you doing?" "Nothing. I'm just laughing at you." Josh became puzzled. What was this kid talking about? Josh knew that Darryl had his problems, but he didn't know that he was screwed this much in his head. "Don't give me that look, Josh." (What a jerk.) "Why don't you just look on the TV?" Josh saw himself. He was about 16 doing the MMC. He started to laugh too. He looked really dorky on the television. "I can't believe my hair was like that. I look like a dork." (At least he agrees with me.) "See I told you. Even you're laughing at yourself. "You win." "You better remember that because I'm going to be winning a lot." (Somebody sure is a show off.) "We'll see." Josh and Darryl sat there in silence. The only thing that can be heard in the apartment was the noise of the MMC. Even the show would get on the nerve of these two people sooner or later, but it wasn't. These guys were contemplating the idea of how they would get along for the duration of Darryl's stay. They had already established the fact that they had things in common, actually on Darryl established that fact, but they were getting on each other's last nerve. Their train of thought came to a crashing halt when they heard a knock at the noise. Actually the knock was a bang that sent shivers down Darryl's spine. If anybody truly knew him, only Kyle and a few other people do, would have known why he felt this way. Darryl saw Josh going to the door and was about to answer the door without asking whom it was. "Aren't you going to ask who it is first?" (This guy is crazy. He is going to get me killed one of these days.) "Nah, I know that it's Kyle. This is how you know that he is frustrated. He always bangs on the door." (You would think that he would know that if they were real friends.) "Geez, you learn something new about your friends everyday. Speaking of the devil, how are you doing, Kyle?" "Not well. I just got fired. I flipped off my boss because he called me in this morning. Well, screw it. Who needs him or this job when I got you?" [Looking at Josh] "Your all the sugar I need to make me happy." "Honey, first I didn't ask you the question, so stop looking at me. Second, we have company. You just blew the surprise to Darryl and you can't keep a secret very well if your life depended on it." "What are you talking about?" "Did you suddenly forget who is here? Because if you did, you my babe is a poor excuse of a friend." "Could you guys stop talking like I'm not here?" (Oh, Kyle is a huge bastard. Why didn't he tell me? This is no surprise that you spring on me. And of all people, him the guy I thought I like but turns out to be a jerk. What a day!) Kyle recognized the thoughts that were being processed in Darryl's mind. He knew this was a bad idea, but this kind of news was something you couldn't just tell over the internet. "Darryl, can I speak to you in my room? We will be right back, Josh." "Okay." [Both Josh and Darryl replied at the same time] Darryl and Kyle walked into his room, and Kyle quietly closed the door. So many thoughts were running through each of their heads. Mainly questions of betrayal, fear, and the true meaning of friendship were moving around with no explanations. Darryl sat on the bed, and was ready for whatever Kyle would pitch at him. He should be able to trust his motives, right? "Let me explain everything. I met Josh online about a year ago. The same way that I met you." "I already know that much." [Darryl replies exasperatedly for hearing the same information in the same day.] "Okay. After a month of chatting, Josh and I got along really well except for the fact that I didn't know he was Josh from N Sync. We decided to meet one day because he was going to do a concert here. We met in love, and I guess you can say, it's been love ever since." "I see." (It takes 2 years for me to meet Kyle, but he goes off and meets Josh after one month. That really shows how our friendship works. There goes one question in my head. The answer isn't very good.) "I guess you want to know more from your lack of enthusiasm in your reply. Josh and I moved in together about three months ago. We have been very happy, so you don't have to worry about me being hurt. I didn't want to tell you about this because I promised Josh that wouldn't say a word. I told him that he could trust you, but he was still scared. He isn't actually out to the whole world. To tell you the truth only the group knows he is gay. Not even his family, so you should feel honor in knowing this before his family." (Like I really feel honor.) "So we decided to tell you in person when you arrived here today. I hope you aren't mad. I know this isn't a good explanation. You know I'm not really good with summarizing a passage if my life depended on it, so how the heck am I suppose to summarize a whole year." "I guess I understand. You had your reasons." (I guess I can't tell him that his boyfriend is a jerk.) "Let's go back into the living room and see what Josh is up to." The guys opened the door, and Josh fell to the ground. He had been eavesdropping this whole time. This would have made Darryl mad immediately because he hated eavesdropper. He liked things staying private if they were meant to be. He repressed his anger and let it go. He was guilty of those charges, so he let it go this once. On the other hand, Kyle was laughing. Josh had made a complete idiot out of himself by falling to the floor. He was actually glad that Josh was listening because he wouldn't have to explain later on. Josh sat there looking up at the two guys. He hoped somebody would help him up. Darryl and Kyle just walked away, and Josh sat there pouting. "So when do I get to meet the rest of the group." "Actually we are suppose to meet up with them tomorrow for lunch. They all wanted to meet you." "Well, I can't wait. I'm going to bed if you guys don't mind. I guess jet lag has gotten to me." Darryl left the room and walked into his own. He was just wondering what was in store for him. He decided to write in his journal again. He had so many emotions flowing throughout his body since his last entry that he felt he needed to make some sort of release. ************************************************************************ June 19, 2002 This is the second time that I have written today. I think this is the first time that I have done this, but so much has changed in one day that I thought I would never have to encounter. I guess I should just write down how I feel first. Actually, I don't know how I feel. I should be happy for my friend, but really just confused. A little betrayed though. I know I sound like a baby or something, but he is my friend. I thought friends don't keep secrets from each other. I know this much. The theme for my life just bit me in the ass, and boy did it hurt. That's life for you. What goes around comes around. I met Josh today. I can't really stand him, but I have no choice. He's Kyle's lover. Maybe we will become friends at the end, but maybe we won't. Only time will tell, I guess. We have so much in common that you think we would be friends, but we aren't. I guess the saying is true, opposites do attract. I just can't wait tomorrow. I am going to meet the rest of N Sync. At least I am going to meet someone my own age. Maybe we can get along. I really do need a friend right now to talk to because I am sure Kyle's time will be taken away from lover boy. I would talk to my online buddies because only they know my second life, but they are so far away. It just does not feel the same way as it does to talk to a person in person. I'm just lost right now, so I guess I will end this for now. Lyrical Entry: Life has its fallen points And there is nothing to do Confusion is a possible answer But only the answer that is true So think it through Because soon a new day will be upon you Where life may take a rise Or take an instant replay ************************************************************************ As soon as he finished his lyrics for the day, he decided it was time to play with his computer. He was hoping some of his friends were around because he was bored out of his mind. He didn't feel like going back out to the living room and hang out with Josh and Kyle. Darryl turned on his computer and let it boot. Meanwhile, Kyle and Josh were in the living room talking about their day. Actually, Kyle just wanted to know what he thought about Darryl. He didn't really care about anything else. All people have their motives, but some people are just too blind to see them. "So what did you think of Darryl?" "He's a good kid, but he has some problems. He doesn't really like to open up. I tried, but could not succeed." "At least you tried. I know how you feel. It took me forever just to get him to open up. He just faced a harsh life. He will open up soon." (I hope.) "Maybe you are right. I don't think Darryl likes me very much. He gives me some weird looks." "Give him some time. He is just trying to get to know you. He's not like you. He just doesn't instantly trust everyone." (Hmmm... I better talk to Darryl about this. I can't have my boyfriend and my friend fighting.) "I will just because you are telling me. I will tell you this much. He is getting on my last nerves right now, and it hasn't been one day." "He has that affect on a lot of people. He is just keeping his guard up. Like I said, he will open up in time." (Now I have to get them to like each other or all is doom.) "Fine. You sure like to stick up for him." "I guess he has become the little brother that I never wanted. You would stick up for Tyler if somebody was smacking him down." "I guess. Enough of Darryl, that subject is getting old now. How was your day?" Darryl was checking his email while Kyle and Josh were having their conversation. He didn't really receive any email that he would actually reply to, so he gave up. The internet was getting boring, so he thought he would turn in for the day. A new day equals a better day than today, right? As soon as Darryl's head hit the pillow, he was out like a baby. Josh and Kyle decided to go to bed too. Darryl had been sleeping for a couple of hours when he finally entered dreamland. He dreaded this moment. He would wake up sweating and freaked out. He didn't know how to control his dreams. They became repetitive, but slowly diminished his strength to live. Thank you for reading the first part of this story. Please email me at d_man116@hotmail.com and tell me what you think. If you can't wait for the next chapter, check out my page. http://www.geocities.com/d_man116