Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2009 10:15:38 -0500
From: ronyx <ronyx@woh.rr.com>
Subject: A Bridge to Yesterday  Chapter 10

The following is a work of fiction. Any similarities to anyone are purely
coincidental. The story is intended for a mature audience. It may contain
profanity and references to gay sex. If this offends you, please leave and
find something more suitable to read. The author maintains all rights to
the story. Do not copy or use without written permission. Write Ron at
ronyx@woh.rr.com with your comments. Ronxy is a prolific Nifty writer

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A Bridge to Yesterday                 Chapter 10



I was awakened from sleep by someone lightly touching my shoulder. My eyes
fluttered and then opened. Before me stood Star and my
mother. Mrs. Albright managed to awaken Nicky and lift him to his feet.

"Come on, Sleepy Head," laughed Star. "You two have been knocked out for
over three hours."

"Any news about Joey?" I lazily rubbed the sleep from my eyes.

"A nurse came out and said that his condition was still stable." She
informed me. "So right now, I guess no news is good news."

"I suppose," I replied apprehensively.

"Come on." She grabbed my hand and started to lead me away. "We're finally
getting to go home. The police got a court order and had the media removed
from outside our homes, something about obstructing the flow of traffic."

"Good," I replied happily. "I'm exhausted." I hurried to join Nicky and
Mrs. Albright who were standing at the elevator. Nicky's eyes were closed
and he looked like he was ready to fall down. I walked over and put my arm
around his waist to steady him. He looked sleepily at me and smiled.

"Hey, Uncle Gene." I tightened my grip around his waist. "We get to go
home." I nodded as the elevator doors opened and I had to almost carry him
inside.

On the way home we discussed what would be best for Nicky. Star insisted
that he should stay with her and Ticker. Mom argued that he should stay at
her home. He had spent the night many times and he had his own bedroom- the
one I had until I left home.

"Besides," she remarked. "Tina is there now, and he won't be alone in the
house with me."

"Tina?" I asked. I had almost forgotten that she was flying back.

"She arrived about two hours ago." My mother said. "She was going to come
to the hospital, but I told her that we would be returning home shortly."

My mother finally won the argument. I think Star and Ticker wanted to go
home and spend time with their own children. I'm sure they wanted a chance
to explain things to Jeffrey and JoEllen. It would be more difficult if
Nicky were present.

Tina was pacing around the living room when we finally entered the
house. Since Nicky had fallen asleep in the back seat of the car, I had
carried him in my arms into the house. Tina seemed surprised when she saw
me holding Nicky.

"Is the boy alright?" She asked as she approached us. She looked down at
the sleeping figure in my arms.

"The boy has a name," I answered defensively. "His name is Nicky." I turned
and carried him up to the bedroom. He didn't resist as I removed his
clothing and dressed him in a pair of pajamas I found in a dresser
drawer. After kissing him on his forehead, I turned out the light and
headed downstairs.

My mother and Tina were in the family room. Tina was at the bar making them
a drink.

"What would you like, Gene?" She asked. "The usual? Bourbon on the rocks?"

"Just a coke," I responded as I plopped down in a chair.

"What?" She spun and asked incredulously. "You don't want a drink?"

I hissed, "I said I just wanted a coke. Anything wrong with that?"

Her face reddened and she replied softly, "No, Dear." I looked over at my
mother and she was worriedly watching our exchange.

We sat for about twenty minutes and filled Tina in on what had happened
since she left. Since she and Joey were close, she began to cry several
times. My mother sat beside her and comforted her. Once she motioned for me
to come over and comfort Tina, but I ignored her.

It was after one in the morning when Tina and I finally climbed the stairs
to the guest bedroom. I was hoping to slip into bed and get a good night's
sleep, but Tina quickly changed my plans.

"I'm so glad that Joey is doing better," she stated as she prepared for
bed. "I know you'll be happy to be able to return home in a few
days. Mr. Jefferson called yesterday and he's looking forward to you
returning to work soon. I told him I'd have you call him as soon as we got
back."

"I'm not going back," I turned and faced her defiantly. She stiffened and
then smiled meekly.

"Of course, Dear," she said dismissively. "I understand. You'll need a few
more days."

"You don't understand, Tina," I replied forcefully. "I'm not going
home. Joey and Nicky need me here."

Her eyes narrowed as she studied my defiant attitude. "What do you mean
they need you here? I need you back home."

I walked over and yanked the pillow off the bed. "I don't want to discuss
this now. I'm too tired and I may say some things I don't mean to. We'll
talk about this later." I turned and headed for the door.

Before closing it, I heard her cry, "Gene, wait."

*******************

"Joey?" Someone was shaking my shoulder gently. I mumbled something
incoherently, but I wasn't sure what I'd said.

"Doctor," the voice in the distance said excitedly. "He's coming around."

I was trying to understand what was going on. I had a sensation of my body
being poked and prodded, but I couldn't respond. I squinted when a bright
light hit my eyes.

"Excellent!" I heard a male voice respond. Then someone took my hand and
the same voice asked loudly, "Dr. Carpenter, can you hear me? If you can
squeeze my hand."

With great effort I managed to move my hand. "Excellent!" The voice sounded
enthusiastic. I could feel my legs being lifted and I winced when I felt a
needle penetrate my foot. Again, I heard the voice exclaim, "Excellent."

I could hear muted talking, and then the room became silent. I'm not sure
how long it remained that way. The next thing I can recall is being
startled by someone gripping my left hand.

"Hey, Joey." It was Star's voice! I felt her lips on my forehead. I then
felt her hand brushing against my cheek.

Another hand gripped my right hand. "It's me, Joey." I didn't at first
recognize the voice. "It's me, Gene." I felt his lips on my
forehead. "We're here with you, Joey. You're not alone." I squeezed his
hand tightly and tried to force my eyes open. I saw a beam of light and
winced. When I tried again, I could make out fuzzy faces before me.

"I think he's trying to wake up," Star said excitedly. "Joey, can you hear
me?"

"Star," I muttered. My mouth felt dry. It was as if it contained cotton. My
eyelids fluttered, and bursts of light came rushing in.

"Don't talk." It was Gene's voice once again. "Everything will be alright."

I tried to sit up, but I was immediately struck with immense pain. I gasped
for air and began coughing. I was aware of a figure entering the room and
placing a needle in my arm. Seconds later I was sleeping peacefully.

***************

The waiting room burst into applause when Star and I explained what had
happened in Joey's room minutes earlier. It appeared he was beginning to
wake up from his ordeal. We were encouraged by his attempt to speak to us.

Nicky started crying and had to be led away by my mother and Ticker. I
watched carefully as they comforted him in a corner. People all around us
began to hug one another. A girl I had never met before walked up and threw
her arms around me. "Thank you, Mr. Albright," she whispered in my ear.

I walked over and stood beside Nicky. When he realized it was me, he turned
and gave me a tight hug. "You kept your promise, Uncle Gene." I pulled him
into my chest, and when I looked over his head, I saw Tina sitting on a
sofa intently watching us. Our eyes met briefly before she shook her head
and looked away.

I knelt down before Nicky and took his hands. "He still has a long way to
go, Nicky." Tears welled up in his eyes. "But we'll both be there to help
him through this, okay?" He nodded his head, and then he leaned in and
hugged me once again.

Suddenly, there was commotion coming from the door across the room. I stood
and saw a tall boy enter. Many of the people in the room rushed over and
began talking to him.

"Holy Shit!" Ticker shouted.

"Who is it?" I asked as Ticker started to head toward the boy.

"It's Douglas Campbell," he informed me. "He's the boy who was shot in
Joey's office."

I watched as people hugged him. Most of them had tears in their eyes. It
was obvious he was moved by the attention he was getting. Ticker walked up
and pulled him into a hug. The boy winced, and Ticker apologized for being
so careless. I later learned that he had been shot in the shoulder and the
wound was still painful.

Ticker led the boy over to me and introduced him. "Douglas," he said, "this
is Gene Albright, Dr. Carpenter's brother-in-law."

A startled look appeared on his face. He turned to Ticker and said, "I
thought Doc was never mar.." He suddenly looked back at me and shook my
hand. "Oh, I see."

"Are you feeling better?" I asked.

"Yes, Sir," he replied. "The medication has taken away much of the pain. It
doesn't hurt unless a certain literature teacher gives me a bear hug." I
looked at Ticker's red face. Douglas hit him playfully on the arm.

Two boys who were holding hands walked up and stood beside Douglas. "This
is Travis Armstrong," introduced Ticker, "and his partner, Jason Thompson."
They made such a cute couple, I couldn't help but smile.

Douglas nudged Travis in the side. "He's Doc's brother-in-law."

Jason responded, "I thought Dr. Carpenter was an only child, and he was
never married."

"I think Doc didn't tell us the whole story of his life," laughed Douglas.

Everyone started laughing when Travis scratched his head and said, "I'm
stuck on stupid. I don't understand what you're talking about."

"I'll fill you in later," laughed Jason. He kissed Travis on the cheek. "It
was nice meeting you, Gene." They turned and walked across the room still
holding hands. I watched as they talked to others. No one seemed to pay any
attention to their affectionate behavior.

Douglas turned to me and asked, "I was told that you saw Doc earlier
today. How is he doing?"

"He seems to be doing much better," I replied. "He was able to say a few
words today. His doctor seems optimistic."

He looked over to where Travis and Jason were standing talking to other
students. "You know he's a hero. He tried to fight the coach off of me, and
he stepped in front of Travis and took the bullet that was meant for
him. We'd probably all be dead if he hadn't stopped Coach Arnold."

"He only did what he felt he had to do," I said with emotion. "That's the
kind of guy he is."

"He'll always be a hero to me," responded Douglas. "I'm alive today because
of him." He turned and walked away. Soon several people, including Travis
and Jason, were gathered around him.

I looked on with admiration. If only the students had accepted gay students
so readily when I was in high school. My life may not have been as tragic
as it was if I could have come out and been accepted by my classmates.

*******************

It had to be done. Tina had been watching me intently all day. Being an
attorney, I'm sure she had thoroughly analyzed the situation at the
hospital and come to a final verdict. The way I felt about Joey was
obvious, even my own mother said it was. My protective nature concerning
Nicky was also suspect. I knew sooner or later she'd figure it out, if she
hadn't already.

Unfortunately, I decided that discussing it in a public place would be
best. I thought we could discuss my feelings for Joey without creating an
argument. I was wrong.

I took her to the Empire Steak House, one of the classiest restaurants in
town. I had reserved a private table in the back so that we could talk
without others listening to our conversation. When we arrived, a bottle of
champagne was already at the table.

"You look lovely tonight, Tina," I said as I pulled back her chair.

"I was surprised by your invitation to dinner," she replied. "It's been
ages since we ate out like this."

"It has, hasn't it?" I said as I sat down. I looked across the table and
Tina was stunning. She had on a black evening gown with a sapphire necklace
I had given her on our tenth anniversary. Several men had admired her as we
walked to the table, and a couple of women looked at her with envy.

I poured her a glass of champagne and we clinked our glasses together in a
toast. A handsome young man named Peter approached the table and told us
he'd be our waiter for the evening. He handed us a menu and asked if we'd
like an hors d'oeuvre.

"We'll start off with a shrimp cocktail," I replied after scanning the
menu.

"Good choice, Sir," Peter responded graciously. "The shrimp are excellent."
He turned quickly and left.

Tina looked across the table and smiled. "What's the reason for all this? I
feel like we did when we were dating in college. You were such a gentleman
and we were so much in love." She reached across the table and took my
hand. I immediately pulled it away. She looked up and stared into my
face. She studied me for a minute before speaking.

"You're not in love with me, are you Gene?" I dropped my head. What could I
say?

"Have you ever been in love with me?" I looked up and saw tears in her
eyes. Again, words couldn't come from my mouth.

"Answer me!" She said loudly. "Have you ever loved me?"

I quickly looked around the restaurant. A couple a few feet away had
stopped eating and looked over.

"Shhh," I said trying to quiet her. "People are starting to stare." She
looked over at the couple and squinted her eyes threatening. They quickly
looked away.

"I don't care if people hear me," she said louder. "Do..You..Love..Me?" Her
voice was low and intimidating as she stressed the words.

Tears started to form in my eyes. It was the moment of truth. I'd been
living a lie and now I had to face reality. I looked into her tear-stained
face.

"No."

She picked up the glass of champagne and tossed it in my face. "You
bastard!" She shouted. "I've been waiting patiently on you all these years!
For what? For you to tell me you don't love me!"

I looked around the restaurant. The room was quiet and everyone was
listening to our conversation. Peter walked up, but when Tina turned and
gave him an intimidating look, he walked away. She then turned back to me.

"It's him, isn't it?" I put my head in my hands. She stood, looked down at
me and shouted, "Isn't it? You're in love with Joey!"

I looked up at her, unable to speak. There was nothing to say. She could
look in my face and knew the truth. My mother told me it was obvious. She
stepped over before me and slapped my face. Several people let out a gasp.

"Bastard!" She shouted once again. She then turned and walked down the
aisle with her head held high. Everyone in the restaurant was staring at
me.

Peter ran up to the table and asked, "Is everything alright, Sir?" Another
gentleman who I presumed was the manager of the restaurant stepped up
beside him.

"Yes, Peter," I replied. "Everything is alright." I then handed him a
hundred dollar bill. "I think that will take care of everything. Whatever
is left over, you keep for yourself."

"Thank you, Sir," he replied excitedly. "Thank you very much."

I then stood up, threw my shoulders back, and walked down the aisle with
all eyes staring at me.

Deep inside, I felt miserable for the way I had deceived Tina. The hurt
look on her face when I told her I didn't love her will be etched forever
in my memory. It was never my intent to hurt her. But I also felt a strange
sense of relief. Pandora's Box had been opened and the truth was revealed.

Now the only person who didn't know was Joey.

*******************

When I exited the restaurant, I saw a bar across the street. A sign was
flashing in the window: "Lazy Betty's." I crossed the street and entered
the bar. I was surprised to find that it was a gay bar. The music was loud,
and a number of men were dancing on the dance floor located in the center
of the bar.

"What will it be?" The bartender asked as I sat down. He seductively ran
his eyes over my body. "New in town? I've never seen you in here before."

"I grew up here," I replied, "but I moved away a few years ago."


"What brought you back?" He asked.

"My father died." I said.

"Sorry," he apologized. Why I don't know. He didn't know me or my
father. "So, what will it be?"

"A coke," I replied. He stepped back and looked at me.

"Just a coke?" He leaned on the bar and faced me. "How can I seduce you if
you're only drinking a coke?"

"Never mind," I said angrily as I pushed myself away from the bar.

"Hey, Buddy!" He shouted as I walked out the door. "I was just kidding."

As I exited the bar, I realized that I had no transportation. I looked down
the street where I had parked the car and it was gone. Tina took it when
she left.

I sighed and started walking down the sidewalk. I had about a three mile
walk to my mother's house. I was in no hurry because I knew Tina would be
there. By now I'm sure she had told my mother about me. I would love to
have seen the look on her face when she realized that my mother already
knew.

I had walked about six blocks when I came to a bridge. I stood in the
middle and looked down at the rushing water below. For some reason the
bridge seemed familiar. I could recall Allen telling me about it once when
I took him for a ride just months before he died. He said he met Joey here,
but he didn't go into detail.

Suddenly, a thought occurred to me. Could this be my bridge? Could it be my
bridge to yesterday? I looked back to where I had been walking. I could see
the street lights burning brightly. The truth had been finally been
revealed. The lie I had been living with Tina was over.

I turned and looked the opposite way. It was more dimly lit, but looking
ahead I could see a tall building illuminated with lights. It was Lee
General Hospital. I looked back one last time, and then started walking
from the bridge. I was crossing my bridge to tomorrow.

*****************

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