Date: Sun, 12 Jan 2003 14:11:19 EST
From: Macncheezaroni@aol.com
Subject: Opposing Force10

Opposing Forces, Part 10
By Jeff
Macncheezaroni@aol.com

Note: The new year brings new (old friends), new characters, and new
relationships! Keep reading and writing!

Chapter 10- Resolution

	Ryan and I laid on my bed on our stomachs, silently watching
Breakfast at Tiffany's.
	"Crazy bitch," I cursed, throwing a popcorn kernel at the scream.
"Take the guy for pete's sake!"
	I moved the bowl of popcorn onto the floor, next to a large stack
of romantic comedies.  The bowl knocked over the first few selections:
Sixteen Candles, Casablanca, She's All That, etc.  Ryan and I had stopped
by Blockbuster and cleared out their romantic comedy section.  We continue
to watch Audrey Hepburn flaunting around, ignoring the leading man. I was
getting miffed. Why can't my life be a romance story, I thought sadly,
happy endings and all.
	"I have to pee," Ryan announced, climbing off my bed. "I'll be
right back."
	"Should I pause it?" I asked him.
	He pondered for a second, "Nah, don't bother, just keep watching. I
can only stand ignorance and denial for so long."
	With that, he walked out of my room and into the bathroom.  The
phone rang, and I grabbed the closest portable phone.
	"Hello?"
	"Hey Dway," a quiet voice answered.
	It was Tyler, duh, and I could hear small sniffles in the
background.
	"Listen Tyler," I replied. "I'm a little busy right now, can we
talk later?"
	"I really would rather talk about it now Dway," he responded.
	Ryan walked back into the room and noticed my phone call.  He
mouthed kitchen and disappeared downstairs.
	"Say something, please, anything," Tyler pleaded.
	"What do you want me to say?" I replied, confused.
	"You're just too rational and calm about this," he admitted. "I'd
rather have you throw a tantrum or something, so I can read your emotions."
	"Sorry," I said, a bit stiffly. "I'm far too exhausted to waste
anymore emotions. If you want to know my emotions, I am feeling angry, sad,
disappointed, irritated, annoyed..."
	"...Ok, I get it," he said.
	"The list continues," I said. "Would you like me to continue to
list my emotions for you?"
	"No..." he said, sadly. "I really am sorry Dwayne. I need you more
than anything, you're the only thing good in my life Dway."
	I took in a deep breath and sighed, "Tyler, it's obvious our
relationship has been different since the beginning of the year.  I just
never brought it up, but face it, we aren't in love anymore."
	"But I do love you Dway," Tyler responded. "I admit that I haven't
been very affectionate or patient..."
	"...and those two traits are what I like most about you Ty," I
said, staring at a picture on the dresser.
	It was a picture of Tyler and me, in front of the Ferris wheel, at
a carnival during spring break.
	"What if I changed? What if I'm a better boyfriend, most caring,
loyal, sincere..."
	"And what if you cheat on me again?" I finished off. "Ty, let's
just be honest. You want sex, and I don't think I'm ready. Therefore, I'm
not going to be able to help you relief your sexual frustrations. Then,
with your dick doing all the thinking, you'll go off and do something
you'll regret. Why don't we just end it, right here, right now?"
	"Don't you love me Dway?" he asked, his voice getting softer.
	"Of course I do," I replied. "That was probably the hardest
decision I've ever made. But it's for the best."
	"I'm not giving up on you Dway," he said, his voice rising with
determination. "So don't give up on me either."
	With that, he hung up abruptly. Always a drama queen, I thought to
myself amusingly.
	"Knock knock," Ryan said, tapping gently on the door. "Is it safe
to come in?"
	"I believe so," I said, giving him a tired smile.
	Ryan scanned the room with his head, "Inspection cleared."
	"C'mon doofus, let's finish this movie."
	"Do we have to?"
	"Hell, we already missed the entire middle portion," I responded.
	"Good," he said. "This movie royally bites."

	A week later, I had to get out of my house.
	"Mom, I'm going for a jog," I said. "Be back soon."
	"Be careful honey," she called back. "Check both sides of the
street befo..."
	I shot back, "Oh give me a break Mom."
	"Just looking out for my child, is that a crime?" Mom retorted.
	I shook my head and left my house in a starting sprint.  I slipped
on my Discman and listened to some Green Day.  I jogged through the silent
and serene neighborhood, and finally, I arrived at the nearby park.  I
stopped to extend my stretches, and I realized that Tyler was walking my
way with his two cocker spaniels, Roxy and Coal.
	"Hey Dway," he said.
	I slipped off my headphones, "Hey Ty, out walking the two dogs I
see."
	"Yeah," he replied. "Thought I could use the exercise."
	Please...like he needs the exercise. Just making conversation I
guess.
	"Can you believe break is almost over?" he asked. "I could get use
to this sleeping in and doing nothing all day."
	"Yeah, me too," I agreed. "How's your family?"
	He hesitated to answer, "They're alright, they've been asking about
you."
	I pretended to not care, "Oh really? Well, just tell them I said
hello."
	"They know Dway," he said sadly. "They know we broke up."
	I asked boldly, "Do they know WHY we broke up?"
	He looked at the ground, "No, they don't."
	"It's better that way," I responded.
	"Just gives them another reason to think that their son always
fucks up something good in his life."
	I didn't respond to that comment, actually, I couldn't respond to
that comment.
	"You want to drop off my dogs and go grab something to eat over at
Denny's?" he asked me.
	I just shrugged, "Sure Ty, let's go."
	His face lit up like a kid during Christmas, and my heart just
melted.  The poor guy is so unhappy, but then again, I was unhappy.  Come
to think of it, I haven't missed or yearned for Tyler in the last week.  I
just did a lot of thinking, and I felt like I've finally taken a good,
steady step to a new direction.  This lunch will be sort of a favor, no
strings attached. We walked a few blocks to his house, no one was home, but
he let the dogs into the house and shut the door behind him.
	"Alright," he said, a bit more cheerfully. "Let's grab some grub."
	We decided to take his Honda Accord, so he opened my door and I got
in. The ride over was rather silent, probably because I had nothing really
to say. We got to Denny's, and a waitress placed us in a cozy booth in the
back. Great, I thought wearily, privacy.
	"I'm starving," he said, eagerly accepting his menu. "I think I'm
going to have one of their sandwiches...or maybe breakfast...oh waffles!"
	He went on for five minutes, naming various items off their menu. I
couldn't help but smile. The guy is an asshole, but he's so lonely and
miserable.  Damn it, I was something good in his life. His lost, I thought
with a smirk.
	"You getting anything?" he asked me.
	"I decided a long time ago," I said. "I didn't feel like voicing it
out loud like you did."
	"Oh," he said sheepishly.  "Well, I've decided on their waffles
with whipped cream and strawberries. Mmm."
	The waitress took our order and menus and left. He just stared at
me with his icy blue eyes, and I began to fumble with nervousness.
	"Uh...did you hear about the party this Saturday at Brad McDonald's
house?" Tyler asked.
	"Oh yeah," I said. "I think Ryan and I are going to go."
	His hand was playing with his napkin, and he gripped onto his
napkin at the mention of Ryan's name.  "So you and Ryan pretty good buds?"
	"Yes," I said. "I miss the guy, I'm glad we're friends again."
	"Oh, I see."
	"So how's the old crowd?" I asked. "I haven't talked to any of them
this break."
	"Neither have I," he replied. "They're all off in their fancy
cruises and ski trips. So do you and Ryan hang out a lot now?"
	Uh oh, here we go...
	"Off and on, I guess we're catching up on lost time."
	He grumbled in response. Suits him right, I thought bitterly.
	"Well, I'm thinking about going to the party too," he said. "With
Ken, Will, and them..."
	"That's cool," I said, unaffected by his attempt to make me
jealous.
	Face it Ty, you're fighting a losing battle.
	The waitress came back with our food, and we devoured it.  We just
kept to small talk like unfinished homework and chores and our plans for
the new year.  The waitress came back with our check, and I reached into my
gym shorts for my wallet. Tyler put his hand out as a gesture to stop.
	"I got this bill Dway," he said courteously.  "Consider it my
treat."
	More like a pity lunch, I thought.
	"Thanks," I said, mustering up a fake smile.
	God, this guy is impossible.  He cheats on you and then buys you
food.
	"You want to go see a movie or something?" he asked.
	"You know..." I began. "I'm going to take a rain check on that, I'm
going to go finish up some last minute homework."
	"Alright," he replied, a little sad.
	Make up your mind Tyler, I thought. Either be the evil bastard that
you are or play the innocent and sad puppy angle.  I'm sensing some
bitterness, I thought to myself. I need a good venting anyhow.
	"You seem a little distracted," he said, interrupting my thoughts.
	I thought for a moment, "Actually, I feel fine."
	His Accord pulled up to my house, and he leaned over. I quickly
opened the door and said, "Thanks for lunch Ty."
	I shut his door and ran up my porch steps and into my house. Oh
idiot, I screamed in my head. That's the last time I pity that kid! What
was he going to do, kiss me? Did he think we went on a date or something? I
ran up the stairs, passing Ben and Dad along the way, and straight into my
room.  I picked up the phone and dialed Ryan's number.


	"He bought you lunch?" Ryan asked incredulously. "The guy IS evil!"
	I could sense his sarcasm in his tone.
	"Shut up!" I said, hitting him with a nearby pillow. "I just
mean...he leaned over and tried to kiss me."
	"Did he actually puckered up?" Ryan asked, raising an eyebrow.
	"Will you stop mocking this situation?"
	"I'm not," he said. "It's a realistic question."
	"No, I didn't see him pucker up."
	He let out a laugh, "So you're all worked up over a non-existent
kiss?"
	"I'm not worked up!"
	"Suit yourself!" he said, picking up one of my discarded magazines.
	"What are you doing?"
	He put the magazine down, "I think we human kind like to call this
reading."
	"You're not even taking me seriously!"
	"Because there is nothing to be taken seriously," he
retorted. "You're getting worked up over your ex who just bought you an
innocent lunch."
	"I hardly call it innocent," I said. "He tried to take advantage of
me."
	"And now I'm officially calling you insane," he replied, continuing
his reading.
	"I'm hopeless," I said, with an exasperated sigh.
	I slammed myself face down onto my bed next to Ryan, he just keeps
on reading.


	"We're gonna dance all night, dance all night to this DJ..." I sang
to Paul Oakenfield on my computer.
	I was getting ready for the party tonight, and I was pulling out
some clothes to try on.
	Ben entered my room, "Are you going to keep squawking? The rest of
the house would like to conserve its peace."
	"I was singing," I replied defensively.
	"Oh, so that was singing..." he retorted. "Are you go to McDonald's
party too?"
	"Yeah," I replied. "Aren't you?"
	"Well, my crowd isn't going until about 9," he answered.
	"I'm just getting dressed, I think I'm going out with Jacob,
Clarissa, and Ryan first."
	"Ah, so the clique reunites."
	"I think we're giving our clique another go."
	"Good stuff," Ben said, leaving my room. "I'm happy for you Dway,
but for my sanity, stop squawking!"
	"Singing!"
	"Squawking!"
	"Singing!"
	"SHUT UP!"
	That was Jane.


	"Man..." Jacob said, cautiously slicing his steak. "I think my
dinner is still alive."
	"That's disgusting," Clarissa remarked, poking at her Caesar salad.
"That's why I eat things that are organic."
	"So you think," Ryan commented.
	"Let's just leave our dinner alone," I said, ending all the side
comments.
	We chewed our food quietly, and then Clarissa spoke up.
	"You know, I kinda miss this."
	Jacob nodded, taking small bites of his steak.
	"I mean...don't get me wrong, I love hanging with my homegirls, but
it's not the same as hanging with one of the guys."
	"Those `homegirls' just don't cut it for your masculine side then?"
Ryan joked playfully.
	"Guess not," she gave a dramatic sigh. "You can only get manicures
and pedicures so many times a month before your hands and feet feel like
falling off."
	I laughed, "I'm just glad I'm no longer hanging out with that
creep."
	"You mean Tyler?" Jacob restated.
	See, not the brightest crayon in the box.
	"Yes, I mean Tyler," I repeated.
	"You guys were really close," Clarissa commented, looking up from
her salad.
	She knows. I gave Ryan a look, and Ryan nodded.
	"Were you guys..."
	"...were we boyfriends?" I finished.
	"Well...yeah," Clarissa replied. "I've just been curious for the
last few months."
	"Yes," I said. "Clarissa, Jacob, I'm gay. I've been gay for quite a
while now. I went out with Tyler...but we didn't do anything...yeah..."
	Clarissa and Jacob stared back at me. Oh no, I thought. Are they
going to hate me now? Are they going to call me bad names and tell the
whole school?
	Jacob swallowed his masticated steak, and Clarissa continued to
poke at her salad.
	"You know D," she started. "You should give us two some
credit. We've had it figured out since about the eighth grade. We just
never brought it up. We read you and Ryan like a book."
	"I'm only half," he remarked. "I still dig chicks."
	"Fine, so you're bi," she said. "But it doesn't really matter to me
what your sexual orientation is...you guys are still my rock...my MEN!"
	"Shut up before I hit you with my purse," I said snickering.
	"Good for you," Jacob said to me. "Sorry about Tyler...the guy was
born as an ass."
	"Let's not ruin our dinner by talking about him," I said
quickly. "Just keep this on the down low for a while. I don't think Tyler
wants to be outed. Come to think of it, I don't want to be outed either."
	"Your secret is safe with me," Jacob said, zipping his lip.
	Clarissa merely nodded, "When do I ever squeal?"
	I gave a slight cough, Ryan rolled his eyes, and Jacob just laughed
heartily. Clarissa feigned a bewildered look and pouted. I think I can
safely say that my little clique has reformed.

	We pulled up to Brad's house at about nine-thirty, and the house
was already rocking to the low, bass beat.  It was your typical teenage,
high school party you see in the movies.  We walked up the pathway and
entered the hall.  People were meandering to and fro the house, and others
were chatting, dancing, and having a genuine good time.  Clarissa promised
to rejoin us in a little bit, as her faux fur posse dragged her away to
another room (the bathroom).  Jacob found some friends from student
government and joined them by the drinks.  Ryan saw some band folks and
said that he'd be right back.  I was left alone by some ridiculous looking
statue, and I quickly traveled to the opened backyard with the pool.  The
backyard was decorated with loads of Tiki torches and strings of lights.
Brad gave me a slight wave, as he turned on the barbecue to grill up some
hotdogs and hamburgers.  I waved back and then spotted Tyler with Ken and
Will.  Tyler smiled at me and gave me a friendly wave.  Tyler looked pretty
good with a shell necklace, Abercrombie striped shirt and some dark, faded
jeans. All of which I picked out during one of our escapades at the mall.
What can I say, I have good taste!
	"You look awfully lonely," someone said.
	I turned around to find a fairly tall and good-looking guy. He had
this goofy grin on his face that made him seem somewhat childish and
immature.
	"Actually," I said. "I'm here with some friends. They're mingling,
and I thought I'd check out the backyard."
	"I see," he said, nodding at my explanation. "Care for a drink? I
can grab you a soda, or maybe you like a nice, cold beer."
	"I don't drink," I stated. "But you can make yourself useful by
getting me some Sprite."
	"Your wish is my command," he said, as he graciously bowed.
	I laughed and moments later, he returned with my ice, cold Sprite.
	"Thank you," I said, as I popped open the can and took a
sip. "Never seen you before. You new around here?"
	"Actually, I'm Brad's cousin," he said, extending his hand. "Aaron
McDonald."
	"Well Aaron McDonald," I said, shaking his hand. "I'm Dwayne
Carmichael."
	"Dwayne Carmichael," he said. "Nice name."
	"Thank you," I said, slightly blushing. "Aaron McDonald isn't too
shabby of a name. It's almost pretentious."
	"Are you saying that I'm pretentious?" he said, giving me one of
his goofy looks.
	"Do you even know what pretentious means?" I shot back, giving a
slight chuckle.
	"You think I'm dumb?" he said, giving a dramatic sigh. "I want you
to know that I'm fourth in my class."
	"Where are you from anyways?" I asked.
	"Why do you care?" he shot back.
	"Maybe the people from that area have smaller vocabulary and less
brain cells to boost you up that high up in ranking."
	"Ouch," he said, stabbing an imaginary sword through his
heart. "That got me right here."
	I laughed, "Seriously, are you out of state or something?"
	"Worse," he replied. "I'm from the next town over."
	I couldn't helped but laugh, "Has anyone ever told you that you're
weird?"
	"Has anyone ever called you presumptuous and maybe a tad
insensitive?" he retorted.
	"A few times," I responded quickly.
	He slightly chuckled, "I like you Carmichael, how would you like to
grab dinner with me tomorrow night?"
	"Excuse me?" I said, suddenly getting seriously.
	"Well," he explained. "I like you and I want to get to know
you. You do eat, don't you?"
	"Get to know me?" I asked, still confused. "What is this, a date?"
	"A date it is," he said, smiling.
	"Wait," I interjected. "You're gay?"
	"Yeah," he replied nonchalantly. "Aren't you?"
	"Well, yeah...but not openly," I replied.
	"I know, I'm not either," he said. "I just had a gut instinct about
you Dwayne, so we got a date?"
	"Actually, I don't know...I just got out of this relationship
and..."
	"Save the Oprah special," he said. "I'm just asking you out on a
date, not proposing marriage. Just relax dude, date means food and
talking. And you're quite a talker..."
	"Fine," I said. "One date."
	"Your ex wouldn't be the hunk hanging with Brad over there, would
it?"
	I looked up to find Tyler hanging around the grill.
	"Yeah," I answered, a little bewildered. "How did you know?"
	"I'm just your typical stalker, I always know everything about the
people I date."
	"Really now?" I said, raising my eyebrow.
	"Really," he said confidently. "Either I'm psychic or it's because
he's been staring at you for the last ten minutes."
	I looked over sheepishly, and I saw Tyler quickly turned away. Damn
Aaron for being right.
	"I'll see you later Carmichael."
	He ventured indoors and disappeared. I tried to enter the house to
find Ryan, and Tyler blocked my way.
	"I see you've met Aaron," Tyler said.
	"I see you have too," I shot back. "Tyler, will you please move out
of my way?"
	"The guy is bad news," Tyler said, in an audible whisper. "I'd
watch out for him."
	"Ty," I said, tiredly. "Stop being a dick and let me through."
	"I'm not giving up on you Dway," he said again and moved aside.
	I gave him a look and entered the house.  The party had heated up
in the last ten minutes, with people getting drunk and dancing wildly with
the music.  I found Ryan, Jacob, and Clarissa dancing with some other
people.  I joined in, swaying with the beat.  I looked over and saw Aaron,
he was leaning against the refrigerator with a beer in his hand.  He saw me
and raised his bottle up at me with approval.  Some girls came up to him,
and he flashed him that trademark grin and carried a conversation with his
fan club.  I continued to dance until Clarissa suggested that we grab some
beverage to cool us down.  Clarissa grabbed some mineral water, Jacob and
Ryan reached for the Coke, and I popped open my second can of Sprite for
the night.  Aaron walked by me and slipped his hand into my back pocket. I
quickly looked around, but no one had paid attention to that friendly, if
not strange, exchange.  I was a bit shocked by Aaron's forwardness with
this whole gay thing.  He might not have to see these people on Monday, but
unfortunately, I do! Wait, half of them will be too drunk or high to
remember the party.
	I reached into my back pocket and found a slip of paper, it had his
name, e-mail, and phone number written down.  I looked around the kitchen
and living room, there was no sign of Aaron.  I suddenly realized that my
bladder needed some relief.
	"Hey Clar, where's the bathroom in this joint?" I yelled over the
music.
	"Second floor," she yelled back. "Be aggressive, the line is super
long. Be smart, go use the master bathroom."
	I decided to take Clarissa's advice and went up to the second floor
to scout out the master bedroom.  Assuming it was the last door in the
hallway, I followed the hallway.  The door opened, and Aaron came out with
another guy.  He was one of Ben's friends, but I didn't really know his
name.  The kid looked rather wasted, but Aaron still had that goofy grin
plastered on his face.
	"We meet again Carmichael," he said cheerfully.
	"Did you guys just do it in the master bedroom?" I asked.
	"It's none of your business," the other kid slurred.
	Well, I just assumed those were his words. It could've been
something else...who knows.
	"Kid's got a point there," Aaron agreed. "Anything behind closed
doors remains a secret."
	Great, so this guy's a gay player.
	"Can you just show me the bathroom in this place?" I asked, a
little irritated. "I really have to pee."
	"You aren't upset, are you Carmichael?" he asked persistently.
	"Aaron, just show me the bathroom."
	"Fine, you go in and it's right around on the other side."
	"Thanks," I said, pushing the door open and locating the bathroom.
	I found the bathroom and locked the door. I relieved my bladder,
flushed the toilet, and then washed my hands.  I dried my hands and
remained stagnant.  What am I thinking? Why am I bothering with some guy I
don't even know? The guy is a walking STD, and Tyler actually warned me.
Shit, I hate it when that kid is right. Frustrated, I opened the door. I
found Aaron sitting on the bed, waiting for me to leave the bathroom.
	"You were in there for quite a while," he commented. "I thought I'd
have to go in there and rescue you."
	I wasn't too keen on the jokes, but I found a smile to plaster on
my face.
	"You know me...high maintenance, I like to take my time."
	"Cut the crap Carmichael," he said, his goofy grin vanished. "Why
don't you just say it?"
	I gave him a confused look, "Say what?"
	"About what just happened...with Tom and me..."
	"Oh, so that's the kid's name. You know, you shouldn't mess with
people under intoxication. That's just mean," I said, then added, "At least
wait until they're sober."
	He cracked a small smile, "Thanks for the advice. We still on for
tomorrow night?"
	"I don't know," I said. "I'll call you or something."
	"Right," he said, giving a cold laugh. "You'll call or
something. Why don't you just tell me that you'll be taking the latter
choice, that you won't be calling me. Just cut all the lying and bullshit,
just tell the truth. What do you think Tom and I did in here?"
	I took a deep breath, "I don't know what you and Tom did, and I
frankly don't care. Look Aaron, you're a nice guy. Granted we just met, but
I really think you're out of my league. So why don't we just say our
good-byes right here, right now?"
	"If that's what you want," he replied.
	"Good bye Aaron," I said.
	"G'night Dwayne," he said.
	I opened the door and went downstairs.  Clarissa and I danced for a
few more hours and mingled with Ken, Will, and Natasha, this foreign
exchanged student from Belgium.  Ryan and Jacob suggested that we should
get going, and I glanced up at the grandfather clock to read that it was
almost 4 a.m.
	"Night's still young guys," Clarissa urged. "Stay longer and party
hardy!"
	"Man, I have to use the bathroom again," I said. "Damn my small
bladder."
	"Go use the bathroom Dway," Ryan said. "We'll be here partying."
	"That's what I'm saying!" Clarissa exclaimed. "C'mon!"
	The three joined some odd conga line that led to the backyard, and
they were off. I shook my head and went up the stairs.  I decided to use
the regular hallway bathroom, however, I saw a long line forming.  Changing
my mind, I snuck to the master bedroom to use the bathroom once again.  The
door was slightly ajar, and I pushed it open cautiously.  I peered inside
to find Aaron making out with another guy.  Wait a minute! This guy comes
to a party and finds gay boys, and I go to the same damn school and never
find any of them. Does this guy have a sixth sense known as gaydar?  I
tried to sneak in and used the bathroom without interrupting their make-out
session.  My curiosity betrayed me as I sneaked another peek at Aaron, and
Aaron was staring back.  He was still sucking the life out of the other
guy, but his eyes were pierced deeply into mine. I turned around quickly
and went into the bathroom.  I repeated the same cycle from previous hours:
peeing, flushing, washing.
	I really didn't want to leave that bathroom, but I knew I had to go
out there and face Aaron with his boy toy of the hour.  I opened the door
and found the bed empty, and I looked around.
	"Looking for me?" Aaron asked, appearing behind an open closet
door.
	"Don't flatter yourself Aaron," I said tiredly. "I must applaud
your efforts for attracting so many gay guys from my school. I would've
never thought that so many of them populated the campus."
	"You just have to take chances," he said simply.
	"Do you even know that guy's name?"
	"Charlie...I think...or maybe it was James..."
	"Ok, c'mon, Charlie and James don't even sound alike," I said. "For
christ sake, at least get their names correct, if you're going to suck the
life out of them."
	"What's your problem, Dwayne?" he asked, his eyes narrowing.
	"I see you remember my name," I said, smugly. "But wait, that's
because you haven't gotten me onto the bed to play tonsil hockey."
	"You are presumptuous," he said. "You just like to presume and
assume everything. Here's something that a friend once told me: To assume,
is to make an ass out of `you' and `me'."
	"Wise friend," I said, with a smirk. "Well, thanks for the ethics
lesson, but I really have to get back to my friends."
	"You have my number," he said. "I'm open tomorrow evening."
	"Don't bother penciling me in," I said, heading for the door. "I'm
booked anyways."
	With that, I left. I passed the increasing line for the bathroom,
and I found Ben in the midst of the line.
	"Hey you," I said, greeting my brother. "I see you're stuck in this
line."
	"I think the guy in there, well, the last three guys in fact, have
all been barfing," he said glumly. "And it's just holding up the damn
line."
	"I'll let you in on a secret," I said and whispered into my
brother's ear, "Sneak into the master bedroom. Bathroom is always empty."
	"Thanks," he said, giving the line a last look before making a
beeline for the master bedroom.
	I'd like to see Aaron make the moves on my brother, I thought
comically. Benjamin Carmichael would punch the lights out of that stupid,
goofy Aaron McDonald.  I decided to see if my brother would like to get a
ride home with me, so I waited in the hallway for a few more minutes.  Five
minutes past by, and no sign of Ben.  I've been eyeing that door, and it
has not opened. What if Aaron has sucked Ben into his seductive web of
pleasure? Seductive web of pleasure? What the hell is that? I really have
to get my noggin checked. I decided to wait a few more minutes, and there
was still no sign of Ben.  Great, another gay guy in the family, I
thought. Here I go assuming things again, I swear, everyone just reads me
like a damn book.  Making my way to the master bedroom, I opened the door
slightly. I peaked in and found Ben and Aaron casually lounging on the bed.
	"Dwayne just has to open up a little bit," my brother said. "He can
be a real bitch with a cold exterior, but he's just so lonely and hurt from
Tyler. The guy up and cheated on him with some pansy down south. Oh, excuse
my language."
	"It's ok," I hear Aaron replied. "It's just your brother is one
fascinating character. Warm and friendly one minute, cold and snappy the
next. Most intriguing. I've never encountered anyone as emotional as he
is..."
	"That's Dwayne though," Ben said. "He's really not that emotional,
he's just been a bit touchy lately. Usually, he's a comic relief. We get
along okay, and if I was gay and not within the same family, I'd date him."
	I slightly chuckled and made a mental note to store that comment
somewhere in my head for future tauntings. I decided to interrupt this
heart to heart by knocking on the door.
	I opened the door and scanned the room, "Oh, good, we're all
decent. Hey Ben, do you need a ride home?"
	"Will you at least acknowledge my presence?" Aaron asked,
annoyed. "The cold shoulder was so sixth grade."
	"Hello Aaron," I said, giving him a cold look, then I turned back
to Ben, "You want to go soon?"
	"No," he said. "I told McDonald that I'd stick around to clean
up. Plus, Mom and Dad think you're at Ryan's house."
	"Okay, that's fine then," I said. "Well, I'm going back
downstairs."
	I closed the door behind me and went down the stairs.
	Clarissa jumped me from behind, "I thought you fell down the toilet
or something."
	I laughed, "You wish, no, I just bumped into my brother upstairs."
	"Okay," she said, accepting my answer. "C'mon, let's go grab some
polish dogs. All this dancing has gotten me famished!"
	"Let's go!" I agreed cheerfully.
	Brad smiled and handed us two warm polish dogs. Clarissa quickly
added a few condiments and devoured her polish dog. Yup, I thought, she's
definitely one of the guys.  I added up some ketchup and took a generous
bite into my polish dog.
	"My compliments to the chef," she commented to Brad, in between
bites.
	Brad just laughed, "Anytime guys. Having fun?"
	Before I could answer, Clarissa jumped in, "Oh yeah, TONS!"
	"Swallow dear," I whispered. "Chew, swallow, then talk."
	"Having a good time Dway?" Brad asked me.
	"Yeah."
	Aaron picked this moment to appear, Brad said, "Have you guys met
my cousin Aaron?"
	Clarissa carelessly extended a hand to shake, while continuing to
demolish her polish dog. Aaron shook her hand and turned his attention to
me.
	Brad continued, "And this is..."
	"Dwayne Carmichael," Aaron finished for him. "Yeah, we met."
	Brad pulled me aside, "You know Dway, Aaron only lives about ten
minutes from here. With Tyler out of the picture..."
	"Wait," I said hastily. "How do you know?"
	"Give me some credit Dway," Brad said. "I'm more observant than you
think. I noticed the closeness and then the sudden gap. Tyler can be a real
ass, but Aaron is a sweet, loyal guy."
	I gave a slight cough, "How well do you know your cousin?"
	"Well enough," he answered thoughtfully.
	"Forget it Brad," I said. "Thanks, but no thanks. Your cousin is
out of my league."
	"You sure?" he asked. "Visits all the time, it'd be a shame if I'm
his only friend in this town."
	"Oh...I think he's made a few new friends tonight," I said, making
a sly comment.
	"Really?" Brad continued. "Good for him, I'm always telling him to
not be shy and just go up and meet some new folks."
	REAL observant Brad, I thought jokingly. Your cousin is a WHORE!
	"Brad!" Clarissa called. "This polish dog is delicious, can you
fire up a few more?"
	"Yes, ma'am," he responded smiling.
	I think someone has a crush on Clarissa. Mental note to set THEM
up, at least they'd be happy.
	"Sun's rising," Aaron commented, stepping to my side. "I've never
shared a sunrise with anyone before."
	"They're overrated," I replied. "The sun goes up and goes down, big
deal."
	"I think it's romantic," he said.
	"What would you know about romance?" I shot back.
	"I guess I wouldn't," he said.
	What? No witty comebacks or snotty remarks?
	"I know about your past Dway," he said.
	"I know," I said. "My bro filled you in on some crap, big
deal. Don't pity me okay? I hate when people pity or grovel for me. I'm a
tough guy, I can handle this by myself."
	"Would you like to know what I did with those guys tonight?"
	"No," I answered. "I'm not one to kiss and tell."
	"With Tom, he was so sick, I just helped him vomit up his dinner in
the bathroom. And Charlie, he was so drunk, he didn't realize he was
kissing my lower right cheek the whole time."
	"Oh come on," I replied annoyed. "I'm not dense. I saw you plow
your tongue down Charlie's throat. Don't give me that bullshit."
	"I'm not kidding you," he said. "I swear, there was no tongue
action. You are just assuming things. AGAIN."
	"It doesn't matter anyway," I replied wearily.  "I'm exhausted and
I just want to go home."
	I turned around and found Clarissa and Brad talking and laughing.
I decided to go back into the house to find Ryan. I started to walk away,
but Aaron reached out to stop me.
	"One date, please," he said.
	I searched his eyes and mustered up some courage to say, "No,
Aaron. I'm through with infidelity. I told you earlier that you're out of
my league, and I'm sticking to that."
	His eyes lost its gleam, and I couldn't even place that goofy grin
of his.  I just turned toward the house and walked away from him.