Date: Sun, 7 May 2006 11:18:15 -0700 (PDT)
From: Justin <aero17justin@yahoo.com>
Subject: Against the Grain: Chapter 2

Note: This story is not true by any means, nor based on any real situation;
however, the people in this story are in fact real people, but names have
been changed to protect those mentioned and myself. All comments or
suggestions can be sent to: aero17justin@yahoo.com

Chapter 2: Ending Unplanned

	After the events of yesterday, my head was reeling. I never
expected anything like that to happen, let alone in my own backyard at my
party! But it did, and Keith was crushed like no other; he went home
shortly after it happened, refusing to answer any of my calls that night.
	I would have tried to do something today, but I had to work. So I
went about my day as normal as I got to work, turning off my phone and
putting it in my locker until I got off later that night. As my boss
declared we could go ahead and leave, I retrieved my phone and turned it
back on as I left the store. I was mighty surprised to find a voicemail on
my phone; however, there was no missed call, leaving me with a sense of
mystery as I dialed my voicemail.

	"You have one unheard message. First message, sent today at 9:15
pm.....  Hey it's Keith. I really need to talk to you but I know you are at
work. Maybe when you get off you can come by or whatever. Just call me when
you got off. I'll talk to you later. Bye."

      The tone of his message made me want to cry. He voice was wavering,
which made me think he was trying not to cry himself. I hate seeing people
cry, especially people I love, because I just end up crying too. So I
waited until I got into my car before I called him back.

      "Hello?"
      "Hey buddy, it's me."
      "Justin! You got my voicemail?"
      "Yeah. Are you okay? You sounded upset."  "I just really need someone
to talk to. Can you stop by? I know it's already ten and I'm sure you are
tired, but I really need you. Can you?"  "You know I'm here for you
whenever you need me, we are best friends! I'll be there in ten minutes."
"Thanks, Justin. Bye."

	So I pulled out of the parking lot, going the opposite way as I
usually go to head to his house. As I drove, I thought about a lot of
things, mostly how much Keith meant to me and how much he helped me through
so much all the time. He was the kind of friend you could turn to no matter
what the problem and he was always supportive when I had guy problems. My
thoughts kept distracting me from driving, so I turned on the radio to keep
myself from driving into a ditch.
	As I pulled up to Keith's house, I found him lying on the driveway
starting up at the dark sky. As my car pulled up in front of the driveway,
he still didn't move, nor did he move when I got out of the car. I just
plopped down on the cement next to him, not saying a word; I really didn't
want to break him out of his concentration.
	"I am glad you came over, Justin."
	I was surprised that he had even noticed me sit down next to him. I
smiled anyhow; it's just like him to wait until you are least expecting it
and then does it.
	"No problem. What's going on?"
	"I don't want to talk about it here. Let's go somewhere else."
	"Well, where?"
	"You know where."
	I did know where too. I had shown him my favorite place to go and
think a couple months back when I was going through a rough time and he
fell in love with it. It's a big park a little ways off that has a big lake
full of fish. I tend to go fish in it when I need to be alone and think
things through. So without another word, we got into my car and drove off;
it's only a five to ten minute drive there anyways.
	It was pretty silent inside and outside the car as we pulled into a
parking spot at the park. It was no surprise it was open, as the park
administration usually kept it open for late-night joggers and the lot. No
surprise it was deserted too, as there's ample time to run during the day
on a weekend. But we got out of the car and took a seat on the grass by the
lake. It was a clear night, no clouds and no wind, so the water was
peaceful and the air was cool.
	And the silence continued as we just sat by the lake. I wondered if
he was going to say anything, but with Keith, it's hard to predict
anything.
	"I'm not going to take her back."
	Again, I couldn't predict when or what he was going to say. I was
taken off guard by this remark, as he had, in the past, taken her back time
and time again, no matter the case.
	"I'm serious this time too, there's no way I can take her back
after what she did."
	"I hate to say this Keith, but it's about damn time. She treats you
like shit and you take it time and time again. If you let her keep it up,
you'll probably end up emotionally scarred from all the verbal abuse."
	"Thanks, Justin. You always look out for me and I am thankful for
that. I know you would never let me get hurt."
	He reached over and pulled me into a hug. His hugs were perfect,
warm and enclosing and they really were one-size-fits-all. He pulled back
after a few moments, looking me in the eye. For some reason, I felt a
little uncomfortable, because for as long as I can remember, he has never
looked me square in the eyes like he was right then.
	"What?"
	I assumed I had something on my face or I had done something
stupid. He just kept looking and smiling. I raised my right eyebrow (one of
my quirks) and cocked my head. I couldn't understand what we was looking
at.
	"You are the best friend anyone could ever ask for Justin. You know
I love you, right?"
	"Yeah, I love you too." I longed to tell him how I really felt, but
I don't think I needed to. I think he already knew at that very moment,
because he closed his eyes and started to lean in close, almost as if he
was going to....