Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 16:57:30 -0800 (PST)
From: ghostofoldtrafford@yahoo.com
Subject: Lean On Me 5

This story is a work of fiction. It contains description of sexual acts
between minors. If you find the events depicted within offensive, then, by
all means, stop reading. Places and people portrayed are entirely
fictional.

For criticism, advice and the occasional praise, feel free to contact me at
ghostofoldtrafford@yahoo.com

LEAN ON ME

Chapter V

Morning came all too soon. For the first time in a long while, Alexi had
slept well. He felt rested and...even happy. He smiled as he looked at the
ceiling of his room, lying flat on his bed, remembering the previous
night. `Well, it didn't take as much time as I thought, after all.' Then he
realized there was an unfamiliar noise in his room. It was...snoring? He
turned his face to the left and almost burst out laughing at the site of
Hunter sleeping on his side, facing Alexi, mouth wide open, a small pool of
spittle on his pillow. Alexi then remembered how the night ended. Hunter
seemed very concerned about his parents and the two boys spent almost an
hour talking about what Hunter had overheard. Alexi realized that both of
them must have fallen asleep and Hunter never woke up to go in search for
his own bed. The closeness Alexi now felt with Hunter warmed his heart. But
concern was now starting to spread through him once again. What could
possibly have happened with Hunter's parents?

"Boys?" A knock at the door. Dana's voice came muffled through the wooden
door. "Time to get up. May I come in?"

"Ummm..." Alexi looked around the room, then glanced at Hunter and once
again the urge to giggle threatened to overwhelm him. He instead reached
out a hand and shook Hunter by the shoulder quite vigorously. "Wake up, you
log!"

"Ghhh..." came the reply.

"Err, yeah, come in, Dana." Alexi said, as he put even more force into
pushing Hunter. As the door opened, the blond boy crashed to the floor with
a thud and a groan.

"What the fu...dge?" Hunter said, as he looked to Alexi, then quickly to
his mother. He gathered himself a bit, managing to sit in an Indian
position on the floor, scratching his head. He seemed confused for a
minute, then he opened his mouth to say something, closed it, stayed silent
for a few seconds as both Alexi and his mother looked at him, amused
expressions on their faces. "Uhhh...I think I need a coffee before we all
have a talk." Then he shot up and stumbled out of the room.

"Hunter isn't exactly a morning person." Dana told Alexi.

"So I see. Umm..." Alexi was now scratching his head in a similar manner to
Hunter. "I guess we kinda fell asleep talking late last night.

"Figured as much. I checked in on you during the night, when I realized
Hunter wasn't in his room. So...was it a good talk?" she asked,
smiling. Alexi's grin was answer enough. "That's great. And...we all need
to have a bit of a talk this morning, so why don't you hop into the
shower..." Dana paused, looked at Alexi, then his cane and immediately
placed her hand over her mouth. "Oh, God, Alexi, I didn't..."

Alexi couldn't help but laugh. "It's alright, Dana. It was a good one, even
if you didn't mean it. It's...fine." In a more serious tone, he
continued. "I can't change what happened, no matter how much I wish I
could. There are lots of things I wish I could change, but I can only live
to accept them." He lowered his gaze, not able to meet Dana's eyes. "...I
need to tell you and Sam something. Seeing as you're already intent on a
talk..."

"We're always here to listen, Alexi. Now, get showered and dressed, and
we'll all have a talk, okay?" When Alexi nodded, she turned around and
walked out of the room, leaving the boy dreading the outcome of the little
talk. `Well, I'll at least have Hunter in my corner. Maybe it won't be so
bad...' Wincing at the stiffness of his leg, he walked into the bathroom.



All four of them were sitting around the kitchen table. Considering the
size of the kitchen, the table could easily have filled many a dining
rooms, yet here it seemed small. Which is exactly how Alexi felt, as he
tried to keep his nerves in check.  "I know you said you wanted to tell us
something, but I was wondering if I could go first, while I still have the
courage to do so..." Alexi addressed Dana and Sam. Hunter caught his eye
and understanding passed between the two boys.

"Err, sure, Alexi. We're all ears." Sam said.

"I just want you to know that you taking me in has been...well, a miracle
to me. I can't tank you or God enough for this second chance. Having said
that, I'll understand if you don't want me around after you hear what I
have to say..."

"ALEXI!" All three members of the Samuels family almost shouted.

"Don't ever say that." It was Hunter who spoke, as he got to his feet and
moved behind Alexi, placing his hands on his shoulder and giving them a
reassuring squeeze. "You're not going anywhere. Is that clear...bro?" This
last statement was addressed more to his parents than Alexi, as Hunter gave
the two adults a challenging look. `I'm not losing you after barely getting
to know you' Hunter thought.

"Of course not, Hunter." Dana said. "Alexi, please...trust us."

Alexi nodded. "I...I'm gay..." he said, then he almost cowered, bowing his
head, expecting the worst. When nothing happened for a few seconds, he
raised his eyes towards Sam and Dana.

"We know, Alexi." Sam said.

"Say what, now?" both Hunter and Alexi answered, confused.

"Your dad, Alexi..." Sam continued. "He gave a full confession. In it,
he...well, he tried to motivate his actions by...Well, he mentioned your
sexuality..."

"And you're okay with that? You still want me around?"

"Of course we do, Alexi. Do you think sexual preference matters to us?"

"I don't know. I just thought everyone..."

"I can imagine that was the way you were raised, son." Sam cut in. "But
you'll find that, as a society, we're not as backwards as we once
were. Most people don't care, even if they're not outright supportive. Now,
don't get me wrong, there are plenty of hate-filled people out there, and
it's tough at times for people to be different, especially teenagers, but,
generally speaking...most people aren't bad, you know?"

Alexi just shook his head.

"Let me put it this way...Kids are mean because they mostly don't know
better. Some people do bad things because it's profitable for them. Others
do it in order to protect their family. But, again, very few people are
truly driven by hate. Ignorance, yes, but, in my experience, few people
are...rotten, evil if you will, because they enjoy it and choose to be that
way. What I'm trying to tell you is that, as long as you don't go into a
situation with preconceived notions, and are ready to establish a dialogue
and educate ignorant people, you may be surprised at the positive response
you get from most people."

Alexi stared at Sam. `Is the man insane? Talk about ignorance. Or maybe
he's just naive. People aren't like that at all. And yet...Hunter and now
his parents are accepting. But that's just because I look like
Brandon. They're not willing to give up the replacement, even if he's so
broken'. That had to be it. His mother seemed to be okay with it for those
few minutes. She loved him. But then again she was his mother. She had to
love him, right? Well, his father had to love him unconditionally as well,
and he...Alexi's eyes were brimming with tears. There IS hatred in
people. But there's also love. He was so confused.

Hunter turned him around to face him. Placing his hands on each side of
Hunter's face, he wiped away the forming tears with his thumbs, then he
smiled and pulled Alexi into a tight embrace. "I know my dad's full of shit
sometimes, but the essence of what he says is true. Ya gotta give people a
chance. The fear of rejection must be huge, I know. But sometimes you just
have to open up if you want acceptance. You taught me that last night. And
if nothing else, you still have us, you understand? No matter what, I...WE
are not letting go, okay?"

"Well, you have to let go if you want me to be able to breathe." Alexi
said, unable to stop himself from giggling. When Hunter let go and stepped
back, both boys grinned at one another.

"Sam, this can wait..."Dana whispered to her husband, as tears of joy
spilled down he cheeks, looking at the two boys in front of her. Sam
nodded, then turned in his seat and made to get up, not wanting to let the
boys see him cry. It was joy, he knew it. Just like his wife was
experiencing. But it was also pain and fear. His son was whole again, he
knew, and it was all thanks to the fragile boy who came into their life so
suddenly. Did Alexi even realize how strong he was? How much he meant for
the three of them now? The fear was too strong to contain. He needed to get
out of there. The thought of something happening to any of them was enough
to make him sick. He almost ran out of the kitchen. His wife, as well as
the boys watched him go, the expression on Alexi's face turning from relief
and happiness into sorrow and pain.

"Dad?" Hunter called after him.

"It's my fault, isn't it?" asked Alexi meekly.

"No, though you are the reason." Dana said, smiling broadly, through the
tears. Now she stood next to him, and hugged him just like Hunter had
done. "You've made us happy, especially Hunter. You...I don't know how to
say it. You said you couldn't replace Bran. And that's true. But you...you
can bring us together as a family again, like we were. You're not him, but
you're what we all needed. And Sam was...overwhelmed, I guess. He'll be
alright, dear." Dana let go of Alexi, brushed away her own tears and had
the boys sit once again. "How `bout some breakfast?"

"How `bout that talk we were supposed to have?" Hunter asked.

"Well, I'd say it went quite well."

"You know that's not what I mean. You and dad were meaning to tell us
something."

"Hunter..."

"I heard you last night. Mom, what's going on?"

"Honey, everything's okay. There's nothing to worry about. It can
wait. Please, don't get upset. For the first time in years, you were
finally happy just now. You were a brother again. Please don't ruin the
moment. Please, for me..."

"Is it someone at work? Did someone threaten you or something? I thought
cops were supposed to be..."

"HUNTER! Enough...Please...Let it go for now." Dana looked at Alexi and saw
the worried expression he wore. "Be a brother for Alexi. Let me worry
about...other things. For now, at least." Then she too left the kitchen. In
her wake, the two boys were more confused than ever. The multitude of
feelings and moods being expressed in that kitchen that morning suddenly
made the room seem much smaller than it appeared to be. Unable to contain
it all...


It was lunch time and Alexi was sitting in the bleachers overlooking the
school track. There were no runners to be seen. No jocks of any kind, in
fact. There were a few people milling around, the occasional sandwich and
can of coke in their hands. Idly chatting ,gesturing, laughing. Generally
enjoying life. There was a time when Alexi might have been bitter observing
all this. Maybe deep down he still was. Despite what the Samuels had told
him that morning, there was still that seed of doubt and fear. But now,
more than ever, he had hope. `Hope is just the lies we tell ourselves about
the future.' He thought bitterly and then he mentally slapped
himself. `Stop that! Do you actually WANT to be hurt? Are you so fucked in
the head that you want to feel pain and rejection, because that would
confirm your world view? Stop being a sullen child. You actually have
support now. Love. Get your shit together and stop the self-pity. GROW UP!'
He shook his head and permitted himself a small smile. `What the hell? It's
a brand new day, in a brand new life'.

Alexi felt the pressure on his back and then he was falling again. He sure
seemed to be doing a lot of falling lately. It wasn't a long trip. He
stopped just two rows down. He had no idea how the hell he managed it, but
somehow, he had mostly rolled on his side and finally stopped on his
ass. Far better than the alternative of going end over end and landing on
his face, all things considered. But why had he fallen? He felt pain in his
back, between his shoulder blades. Had something hit him? It felt like a
shove. `More like a kick, actually. What the...?"

"Yo, fag!" A voice came from up and behind him.

`Friggin fantastic. Remind me to have a talk with Sam about that whole
hatred thing.' Alexi turned his gaze to watch three rather large, rather
stereotypical looking jocks. "Seriously? Fucking football players? Is this
shit for real?"

"What'd you say, fudgepacker?"

"Christ, I guess this is where the `teens will be mean because they're
teens' thing comes in. Come on, then. Beat the shit out of me. I don't have
all day."

One of the jocks bent over and picked Alexi's cane, which, along with a few
of his books, were left behind next to his seat, when Alexi had been so
rudely sent flying. "I'm wondering if I should break this over your head or
stick it up your ass. You'd probably like that..."

"Oh...Witty fucker, ain't ya?" `What the fuck am I doing? Am I really
trying to get myself killed before my second day of school is over?
No. You're starting over, remember dipshit? Well, that's nice and all, but
if I'm dead within seconds of turning over a new leaf, it ain't much of a
victory, is it? Ah, yes, but how glorious those seconds would be. Okay,
Gollum, cut it out, dying really doesn't appeal that much to me
anymore. Gollum? I like that. Well, my poor, cowardly Smeagol, with your
new appreciation for life must come some sense of adventure. Adventure,
yes. Assisted suicide? No. Tomato, tomahto. Yup...certifiably insane.'

"Too bad your dad didn't get to finish the job." The head-jock said.

"Oh, nice one, Matt" one of his lackeys observed sycophantically.

"God, did you guys step out of some bad CW teen drama or something? Do you
even share a collective intellect or something? And intellect is being used
in a very loose manner here." `Hmmm...wonder if the Samuels will put
Beloved Son on my head stone. Maybe just burn the crap out of me and toss
me in the wind or something.' "And what the fuck do you know about me and
my dad?"

"Oh, more than enough. My dad has a friend who works for Social Services,
so I know quite a bit about your queer ass..."

"Man, that is just too easy." A new voice came into the conversation. "You
just walked into that. You know about his queer ass? Seriously, if you're
gonna play Macho Straight Jock #1, you need to avoid those kind of
embarrassing lines."

Alexi couldn't help but grin. Sure, he loved seeing Matt or whatever his
name was turn red and start to fume, but the sight of the boy who got the
jock so angry is what warmed his heart. It was Evan, all 6'2" of him. That
great smile now a mocking leer. The kind soft brown eyes now almost burning
incandescent red. He seemed relaxed, his arms crossed over his chest, his
feet spread, but there was menace to his posture and expression. Alexi knew
it.

"Fuck off, Richardson. This doesn't concern you."

"Well, I do believe you were about to commit a hate crime. And we
minorities gotta stick together, don't ya know?"

"Just because I tolerate you..."

"You TOLERATE me?" Now even the mocking attitude was gone from Evan. He
started coming down the stairs towards the jock brigade. His hands by his
side, his fists clinched. "You snot-nosed brat. I knew I should've kicked
more sense into your head last year. Guess you didn't get the message. Or
is it that you just plain forgot. Let's jog your memory a little, shall
we?"

Alexi was staring open-mouthed at the 4 of them. If what Hunter had said
about Evan being gay was true, then, as he observed Evan making his way
towards the three shorter, but bulkier teens, Alexi could only conclude
that this sexual preference came with a dose of insanity and the desire for
self-destruction. He couldn't let Evan get into a fight, get hurt...or
worse. Not for him. "Evan!" he yelled.

He was on them. Matt's fist came straight at his face. `How
predictable. And I at least hoped I'd get a work-out. He hasn't learned a
thing since last year. But maybe his skull is thicker this time around.' He
ducked under the blow and came inside Matt's guard, bringing up his elbow
as he stretched to his full height. It connected squarely with his jaw and
Matt tumbled down several rows. He glided to his right and parried a blow
from Jock #2 with his left arm. `Ah, Tim. Good ol' Tiny Tim. Why do you
hang around Matt in the first place? You can be such a kind and gentle
person when you want to.' He grabbed him by the collar and pulled him
forward, as he pivoted to the right, sending the bulky teen into his
on-coming buddy. They collided with a very audible "Oof!" escaping both
their lungs, as the breath came rushing out of them. He didn't give them a
chance to get up. He placed his foot on Tim's back, applying
pressure. Under Tim, Jock #3 let out a loud groan.

"Sorry about that...err...I don't know your name. Matt's goon squad is on
rotation or something. Only he and Tim are 24/7 on the job, so don't take
it personal. Now, I suggest you stay down. You too, Matt!" he called, not
even looking down towards Matt's landing site.

"You fucker. You broke my head!" Matt screamed, rage tinting his voice.

"No, the fall did that, Matt. Pay attention where you're walking next time,
will ya? Tripping like that is awfully dangerous." Matt didn't respond and
Evan finally glanced at him. "Do you understand me, Matt? About watching
your step?" Evan's glare was ice cold, no trace of warmth in those once
kind eyes. Matt gave an acknowledging nod of his head and the anger seemed
to melt from Evan. His features were once again serene. "Ah, that's great
to hear, bud. I wouldn't want you to get hurt before football season even
starts. We may actually have a shot this year, no? And people have such
high hopes for you. A serious injury could end your career and your chances
at a scholarship. I wouldn't want something like that to happen to a great
guy like you. Now...fuck off. You two as well." As he took his foot off
Tim. The three boys scattered immediately and Evan breathed deeply.

Alexi's jaw wouldn't stay shut, damn it all too hell. He simply gaped at
the whole fight. It wasn't even a fight. It was...a man swatting away
flies. He kept on staring, open-mouthed, as Evan slowly picked up his cane
and the books and made his way down to where Alexi was still sitting.

"Dude, close your mouth or something might make its way inside. You never
know what..." He said, winking.

"What...Why...Who ARE you?" Alexi asked, perplexed.

"Ummm...Evan." He replied, scratching his head in a cute way that almost
made Alexi giggle. "Dude, was that fall really bad? I mean, did you get
knocked on the head or something? We met yesterday. Alexi, right?"

"Yeah...I'm surprised you remember. But that's not what I mean. I...err..."
He flailed his arms wildly, trying to explain. "You...They were three and
you...Then they...And you...What the...?"

"Well, I can handle myself well in a fight, is all." Evan shrugged,
blushing slightly. "An unexpected advantage of a misspent youth, I
suppose." He laughed nervously, but Alexi burst out into genuine laughter.

"Yeah, old man, those young'uns sure do know their place now..."

"Well, I AM older, you know. I'm 19. Matt's barely turned 18 and Tim's not
even there yet."

"Oh, you're positively ANCIENT compared to them!" Alexi said, continuing to
laugh. When he stopped, Evan brought him to his feet and handed him his
cane. Looking straight into his eyes, Alexi tried to put into words what he
felt right then. "Thank you. Honestly, that's the only thing I can say, but
I don't think you'll ever understand what it means to me. No one's stuck up
for me before." Once again, Alexi's gaze shifted to his feet, in what was
an instinctive reaction. "Though, for the most part, they never had reason
to before. I suppose being anonymous has its advantages. No one notices you
enough to pick on you. `Fuck, I'm pathetic again. Seriously, it's like I'm
a pity-seeking whore. No more, I said! It's not pity I need!' Ummm...never
mind. Just...Thank you. I don't know how I can repay you."

"Go out with me..."

Alexi's eyes snapped up immediately. "Are you fucking with me?"

"Not yet." Evan replied with a sly grin.

"I'm gay..."

"Yeah. I kinda figured that out, what with Matt calling you a fag and
all. And it's also the reason why I asked you out..."

"So, you're..."

"DUH!"

"Oh..." `Huh, guess Hunter wasn't lying. Okay, self-doubt mode, activated.'
"Why would you want to go out with...someone like me?" Alexi asked,
gesturing at himself. "I mean, look at me. I just got my ass kicked and
you...well, you were like Steven Seagal or something."

"That pussy? Please, I could take him out in the blink of an eye." Alexi
grinned as he raised his chin in an arrogant manner. "And I really don't
have much choice. My gaydar must be broken, cause I haven't run into any
other gay kid in this school, though God knows I tried..."

"So I heard."

"Huh?"

"You hit on my foster brother last year. Hunter Samuels."

"Ah, him..." Hunter said, his grin turning into a wistful smile. "Well,
all, the good ones are straight."

"So...you want to go out with me because I'm the only one available, huh?
Well, that sure makes me feel special." Alexi said. He felt sadness, pain,
anger and that damn self-pity again. Yet, knowing that he'd only serve as
meager table scraps until a main course arrived for Evan, he was still
eager to give himself over to him. `Sorry, Gollum, but I guess some things
you can't change. Yup, Smeagol...you're one pathetic little bitch.'

Evan looked into Alexi's eyes and he could see all the emotions mingling
and fighting inside. He was worried he had gone too far with his teasing
and he had hurt him. In a soft, soothing tone, he addressed Alexi, as he
placed his hand on the boy's shoulder. "Hey, I was just kidding, okay?
Teasing. I want to go out with you because...Because something about you
just grabbed my attention. Yesterday morning...It wasn't your cane or my
stupid gaydar either. It was...I dunno. It was like there was a huge cloud
of conflicting emotion hanging over you. I knew you needed help and I knew
I wanted to get to know you better. And, hey...You're gay, I'm gay,
so...you know...we got that in common." He smiled that beautiful smile
again. "So, let's get to know each other better."

"I...You...Uhhh..."

"I'll take that as a no then." Evan turned around to walk away.

"WAIT!" Alexi shouted. If he could see the huge grin on Evan's face, then
maybe he wouldn't have blushed so much as he coughed nervously. "I
mean...Yeah, I'd like that..."

"GREAT!" Evan beamed as he turned around. "I get off at 2. You?"

"Same..."

"Great. Meet me in the parking lot. I'll be the one with the blue bike."

"Bike?"

"Motorcycle. You know..."

"Cripples and motorcycles don't usually mix."

"Well, I'm driving, so don't worry about that. And don't refer to yourself
as a cripple." Then he took Alexi's face into his hands and kissed him full
on the lips. It wasn't exactly sensual. It was...something else. Alexi was
so surprised that he didn't even have time to close his eyes. By the time
he did so, Evan had already pulled away and was rushing up the stairs,
leaving Alexi leaning forward, lips parted, in serious danger of tipping
over.


"Man, it's 7 PM. The Samuels are gonna kick my ass." Alexi said.

"Well, you called `em, didn't you? Told `em you'd be late." Evan
replied. The two boys were walking slowly, close together, through the
park, on the edge of the pond. They stopped and stared over the water. It
was so peaceful. The sun was on its way down and that soothing red tinge
was starting to play across the horizon. Alexi could have stayed there and
stared at the sight for hours on end. He could stand by Evan for an
eternity, it seemed. They had been quiet on their way to the park. It's not
as if one can have a civilized conversation on a motorcycle. But as they
criss-crossed the park, occasionally sitting on a bench, just staring into
the distance, watching a boy play with his dog or happy families laughing
together, the two boys talked about everything, it seemed. There was an
easy manner to the way Evan behaved and talked that one couldn't help but
feel relaxed around him. Alexi had felt at ease talking to Hunter the
previous night, but this was different. Somehow better. He would hang on
Evan's every word, as if afraid that, after the evening was over, he would
never hear that soft, calming voice again. Alexi sighed.

"Yeah, but I don't think they expected it to be THIS late. Err...By the
way..." Alexi shifted nervously. "Can you, like...give me a ride home?" he
asked, blushing.

Evan started laughing. "Of course, m'lady. What kind of knight in shining
armor would I be if I didn't use my trusty steed to take you home safely?"

"You jackass!" Alexi said, slapping Evan's shoulder playfully. "Now,
seriously, we should go."

"Alright, alright. Don't get your panties in a bunch." The boys started to
move, but Evan paused and spun Alexi around to face him. His eyes danced
all over Alexi's body and then rested on his face. He bit his lower lip in
a playful, yet pensive manner. "This really was great, you know. I hope you
feel the same. I enjoyed every second of it. May I?"

"What?"

Evan leaned towards him and Alexi felt fear overwhelm him. He quickly
glanced around. There was a couple sitting on a bench behind them and an
older woman was walking her dog. Evan studied Alexi's expression of concern
and fear.

"They don't care. And if they do...fuck `em!" Then his lips met
Alexi's. All too soon, they parted again and Alexi brushed his fingertips
over his lips. Evan looked at him in an amused manner then he gently kissed
Alexi on the nose. "That's just to whet your appetite." And as he grinned
once again, the two boys started moving.

They were close to one of the park's exits, close to where Evan had left
his bike. It was quiet. No more kids walking their dogs. No more couples
holding their hands. Only the sound of footsteps coming closer. Two
heavy-set men were soon in front of the boys, barring their passage. One of
them was holding a baseball bat.

"Oh, come on!" Alexi yelled and the two men looked at each other in
confusion for a second. He wanted to laugh, if only to stop the tears from
coming. `Seriously, what is it with people and baseball bats? Did the world
run out of blunt instruments all of a sudden? Hockey sticks, golf clubs,
crochet mallets or a goddamn lead pipe, for fuck's sake! And what about the
good ol', trusted gun?"

The man tightened his grip on the bat as his companion pulled out a
gun. `PERFECT! Now that's what I'm talking about. Maybe it won't be too
painful.'

"Don't do this, man!" Evan said in an almost pleading voice. High-school
jocks were one thing, a gun was another. The goon with the gun pointed his
weapon at Evan.

"Shut it, kid. You can go now." The other man moved to Alexi and kicked
away his cane. Alexi was left almost hopping in place, so the goon started
laughing mockingly, then, with his free hand, he easily pushed Alexi over,
and the boy landed heavily on his back. The man with the gun took his eyes
off Evan and moved closer to Alexi. "We warned Samuels."

Alexi didn't want to look at the man or the gun. He stared at Evan with
tears in his eyes. "Go. Please!" The goon with the baseball bat brought the
heel of his boot down on Alexi's head and pain drove away all thoughts from
his mind.

Evan made his decision then. `Fuck me, what am I doing? I actually think I
love this kid.'

Alexi's vision was getting blurry. At least he didn't have to see it
coming.

"Nothing personal, kid."

It was a certainty then. He had dreaded it since he saw the two men. Once,
he would have welcomed the sight, but now he felt he had something to live
for. `Do fags go to hell even if they're virgins?' What a strange thought.
And still, his life didn't flash before his eyes. `Well, it really wouldn't
be worth a replay, anyway.' He knew it was the end, and he felt regret. For
not getting to know Evan, Hunter and his parents better. For leaving that
family alone again. They barely knew him, but he was sure this would pain
them almost as much as when Bran died. It would rip open wounds that never
had the chance to properly close. He would die then, in that park, at the
end of his first date. He closed his eyes and waited...