Date: Wed, 7 May 2003 10:50:02 -0700 (PDT)
From: afterglow <itsme_afterglow@yahoo.com>
Subject: stay chapter 10

Stay
Chapter 10
by afterglow

Disclaimer: This is not wonderland. This is serious stuff. So if you
feel that the tootsie fairy just whacked your butt in here, please
read something else. This contains love/sexual desires between teenagers.
Any similarities to certain persons are purely coincidental. And unless
this kind of material offends you're crude mind, I suggest you sit back,
relax and enjoy wonderland.

***
Wow, chapter ten. I couldn't believe I even survived this long. All thanks
to you guys, I really appreciated taking your time and reading my crapy story.
Anyway so many people have send me emails last time, thank you all. I really
don't want to disappoint you but I think there about one or two chapters left
before Stay ends. And don't worry, it's going be nice. Anyway, thanks again
to all the nifty writers at the chatroom, you guys keep my day alive everytime.
To Bret(there I mentioned you first, you're not mud), Kano/Ekaitz, Jesse,
Daniel(okay, I won't call you avatar this time), UPDC, esteban, hcblue, Loves
Folly, Pfantazm and to my mentor(I think) and extremely sexy mom, Sara
(aka. wavyscribe), you people are great. You can meet this guys at the
niftywriter's chatroom and get to know their soul and unconventional horny
taste for humor.
Love ya guys!
***

	It's been a while since I've talked to you. I guess you really
missed
 me huh? Yeah, I missed you too. And your little annoying antics. Ow! Stop
hitting me!

	"I'd like to remind you all that exams are just around the corner.
So brush up on those American and English lit writers. And by the way,
before I forget, your special project would be a week before the tests, I
suggest you don't take that lightly. That would be forty percent of your
grade. So if there's no more questions..." and then the bell rang.

	Urgh! I totally forgot about her project. Jed and I were supposed
to work on it but all when end up is blank.

	"Edo, can I talk to you for a minute?" Ms. Jane said while the
class left the room.

	Shit! This must be about the project. I've been so busy hanging
around Jed and Pat so much I couldn't even do school work. Well not that
it's a bad thing.

	See, for the past few weeks, my life has been on it's peek. It's
like everything is going smoothly as planned. No more rough roads or lonely
nights.  Just plain teenage life. With Pat and Jed around, it seems that
the world is much easier to bear now.

	"So how's it going dude?" There, she's trying to be 'cool' again.

	"Dude? Ah, that's terrible," I laughed.

	She just shrugged her shoulders, "You've got that smile plastered
on you again, I got it somebody's having a wonderful day."

	"Actually, I've never been better."

	"Oh, really? Do tell," she said stressing that English accent

	I pouted, "Do you do this to all of your students?"

	"No, just a particular one. Besides we should improve our
student-teacher relationship."

	Ms. Jane is always been this way. Eventhough nothing much happens
in my life, she always seems to be interested in me. I guess that's why I
like her so much. You don't meet everyday a teacher who knows you more than
just your last name.

	"Well, I've got new friends," I smiled.

	"Really, that's great! I knew you would come out of that shell. So
how is it?"

	"It's kinda different you know," I said while fidgeting my hands,
"It's like... It's like I don't want our friendship to end. I've been alone
so much. And I don't want anymore to be that stupid boy sitting on that
stupid library trying to get away from everyone. I'm happy now. And my only
fear is too loose them in my life."

	"Ah, teenagers. You know when I was young I really didn't have much
friends like you. And I try to be an introvert and I'll always say that I
liked being left out. But soon I realized that I was wrong. That I will
forever be part of everyone no matter how I push them away. It's like
you're a piece of a great puzzle. The other pieces are nothing without
you."

	"Story of your life," I concluded.

	"Yup, story of my life," said she.

	Meeting Ms. Jane is one of the most memorable moments in my life.
I guess I would really miss her when I'm in college already. She wants to
be a psychologist for kids and teens but I think her teaching paved the way
for that.

	"Anyway," changing the mood, "How are you and Trish?"

	Huh? Oh. Oh no. How do I answer this? 'Sorry mam but Trish got
renovated for the week, her toe nails were undone.' Urgh! Me and my big
mouth.

	Suddenly we both saw someone waving at the door, "Hey, I see the
batallion has arrived."

	It was them. Jed was trying to peep from the corner while Pat kept
on waving at me and Ms. Jane.

	"Um, yeah. Thanks for your time ma'am," I walked through the door
and said, "Bye."

	Soon I met Jed and Pat's worried faces. I told them I was alright
and that we were just having a teacher-student bonding. But still they had
that look of uncertainty.

	"Do you think she found out?" Pat raised an eyebrow.

	"I don't know, God I hope not," I said praying with my hands up.

***

	This is my new hobby. Hanging around mall after class. Not that I
have that much money but you know Pat. The mall is like her Sistine Chapel
or something. And fashion would always be her style. Jed agrees with her.
They both conspire to take me out and try some trendy clothes.

	Hey, what do you mean look at me? My shirt and jeans are fine. FYI,
these jeans have served me a great deal. Plus they're durable. And nice.
And... peachy. Yeah, you heard me, peachy! As in pretty, bright and gay!
err... that didn't sound right.

	"Oh my God! I think I'm gonna cry!" Pat screeched.

	And by the way, I hate Sale Fridays. It makes Pat go berserk.

	"It's even 10 percent off! I have got to try those shoes," she
truns her head to us, "Guys you can wait here, it won't take long."

	"Yeah sure," Jed said while tugging my arm.

	"Ow! Yeah, yeah," I said a little annoyed.

	"Okay, pray for me," with crossed fingers she managed to enter the
store.

	And then it was me and Jed. I don't really thought about it until
now but this is the first time I've been alone with him since we all became
friends. Weird, huh?

	Yeah it was weird alright. He's there looking all cute and
beautiful trying to scan his surroundings while I'm here looking like a
jackass trying to scan Jed.

	He was much taller now. His head starts to produce fine strands of
dark red. And he's body is dead handsome.

	I hate doing this you know? It's like I'm invading him or some
sort.  But I can't help it. Okay, okay I know I might be caught or
something. Urgh!  Just one more look and I promise I won't stare again,
please?

	I then began slowly eyeing him up from his shoes, to his waist, to
his chest, to his face. And when I least expected it, I saw Jed looking
straight at me.

	I can't move. I didn't. Or I couldn't? Maybe it's his green eyes or
his striking looks, I don't know, but at that time, at that moment, my mind
went into a complete blank.

	Shit!

	But then a high-pitched voice from hell dragged me down from my
heavenly bliss.

	"Hi, I seem to have lost my way around here. Do you know where the
girl's room is?" a teenage girl with pink hair and pink lolipop flirted
around Jed.

	Jed seems to be startled at first but then spoke, "Uh, go to the
far end, around the stairs, it's the first one on the left." He said while
montioning his arms.

	Well, the girl dosen't seem to listen. She just kept playing with
her candy and eyeing his every movement.

	I breathed. No, it's not what you think. I don't envy Jed for
having girls flock around her like turtle doves. It's just that... well
let's put it this way. The guy's attractive, smart, funny and I'm ugly,
stupid and boring. I mean we're complete opposite. And now that we're
standing by each other, the contrast seems to be as thick.

	"Uh huh, yes well... um," displaying those puppy dog eyes the girl
'acts' like she's stammering then moving her head down.

	"Yeah, what is it?" Jed, obviuosly walked into her trap, lifted the
girls's chin which made her blush.

	"I know this sounds awkward but can I have your number?" Oh, I'll
give her more than Jed's number alright! I'm gonna kick her ass... What am
I doing? I sound like a jealous bitch.

	The girl then caught Jed's hands and kissed it.

	Oh that's it. That's it. You have just earned your one way ticket
to hell girl.

	She then kissed it one more. I saw Jed's face turn into bright
red. He then searched for me and lipped 'help'.

	Oh, girl I'm gonna bitch slap you so hard...

	"Excuse me," I interrupted, "Actually...," looking at Jed's green
pools, "He's already taken."

	And with one quick swipe, I carried an arm around Jed's waist.

	It was a Kodak moment. Her mouth went wide and her eyes stared in
disbelief. I think she was trying to say something but she couldn't.

	"But you..." pointing at me, "And you?" And she went into crimson,
"I'm sorry I have to go to the girl's room." And she went off. That's it
girl, and don't come back!

	The whole time I was trying to contain myself. Wow, did I really do
that? Did I really drove one of Jed's mischievous fans out?

	I was battling with myself when I heared a strange voice slip
though my ears...

	'Aint no mountain high enough...'

	What the?

	'Ain't no valley low enough...'

	"Do you hear that?" I said aloud.

	"Hear what?" he said confused.

	Then I realized my arm's still wrapped around him. I guess he
noticed it too and blushed like a cute tomato. I hastily removed my arm and
said sorry.

	And the effects of what I did just dawned right through me.

	God! That was embarassing!

	I guess it was an awkward moment for both of us that we didn't say
anything at each other after that.

	"Hey did I miss anything? You two boys are awfully quite," Pat said
as she came back with a couple bags more in her hand.

	I think she noticed it because Jed kept blushing while I kept on
dreaming.

***

	"So anyone for a hotdog?" Jed asked while snatching money from his
wallet.

	"Me! Me!" yelped Pat.

	"How about you?" he turned to me.

	"Nah, not hungry." I said as Jed left me and Pat at the table.

	And then it was me and Pat's turn to be alone.

	This was never a problem for me as Pat usually does all the
talking. Not that I don't talk too much it's just that I like listening you
know? I read in an article that listening is just like mental therapy.  Or
so I think. You just let the other person do the yada yada and you just let
yourself do the 'I understand' or 'Yeah, that's great'. Just like most
husbands do.

	Okay, I'm really setting myself off here.

	And before I knew it, Pat just finished a sentence and was asking
me about something.

	"uhh...um," I said trying to figure out what she said.

	"Aha! Your not listening to me!"

	"Yeah I do! Okay, okay you got me. What was the question again?"
Typical male of me.

	"I just asked you about what you think about Jed," she whispered as
if everybody in the building could hear her.

	"What do you mean?"

	"What I mean is does he like me?," Pat said stating the obviuos.

	"You mean the rumors are not true? He hasn't ask you out?" I
inquired.  Is there truimph in my voice?

	"No! He seems so tensed whenever I put my arms around him. Or flirt
with him, just to see if he's interested but he never returned it.  And for
the most part he gets angry everytime there are rumors spreading about us."
Pat seems so frustrated.

	She continued, "God! I'm starting to believe that he is..."

	As if my stupid tongue failed me, "Gay?"

	She stared at me for a sec while I mentally slapped myself.

	"No! Shy! I'm starting to believe he's shy."

	"Oh," was all I said.

	I'm confused here. I thought Jed liked Pat. I mean they're always
together. And now Pat's saying that Jed's moving away because.... he's shy?
This is insane.

	You know the worst part is, I'm starting to believe that he really
dosen't like Pat that way. That.... that he likes somebody else. I don't
know about you but have you seen Jed lately? From the first time I saw him,
he was like the outgoing popular guy. But now he seems reserved. Always
shy.  I don't know if he only does that to me. But whenever we talk, he
just can't seem to stop stammering.

	I guess that's why he keeps his response short. That's why we don't
usually have long conversations. Maybe this was the 'change' Jarrod talked
about. Maybe he's just confused like me.

	"There you go again phasing out on me!" Pat's voice brought me
back.

	"Sorry got a little distracted there."

	"Well, you better not do that again or I'll... Wait can you see
that?"

	Pat pointed to the bookstore in front of us.

	"What?"

	"That woman. She's... I think she's spying on us."

	"Yeah and I bet your spider sense is tingling," I joked.

	"I'm not kidding look!"

	I took a closer glance and there, I saw a binocular just watching
at our direction.

	Wait. I know that woman.

	"Pat just stay here. Tell Jed I'll be right back!" I said to her as
I started to get up.

	"What are you doing Edo? You're not going after her," I heared her
reply.

	Ignoring her remark, I started to walk to the woman's direction.
>From here, She has that white cloth over her head with big eye glasses.

	She must have seen me coming cause before I knew it she started to
run.

	Wasting no time, I kicked off trying to out run her.

	But then something unexpected happened...

	'Ain't no mountain high enough'

	What the? That song again!

	'Ain't no valley low enough'

	Urgh! Stop it!

	'Ain't no river wide enough'

	"Stop it!" I yelled

	And before I knew it, I was dodging everything insight while the
song kept playing in my head.

	Is this a practical joke that you're playing on me? If it is... har
har.

	As if it has a mind of its own, the song just went to full max,
with background singers

	Ain't no mountain high enough (high enough)
	Ain't no valley low enough (no, no, no, no)
	Ain't no river wide enough (ain't no river wide enough)
	To keep me from getting to you, oh

	With the wind gushing through my face, as I duck, jump and fly over
every living and non-livig object that came along my way, I found myself
smiling and singing along. I was even surprised when I threw my arms up in
the air and wave it like a whacked psycho.

	But when I turned around at a corner...

	"Ain't no mounatain.... uhmf!"

	I opened my eyes and saw a man with an ice cream stain all over
he's tux.

	"Oh my! I'm so sorry," I said as I looked at the angry man in front
of me.

	But soon it started again...

	'Ain't no mountain high enough'

	This time it was fast-paced.

	Oh God dosen't that song ever stop!? I tried to feel angry at
myself for being stupid but something about that song made me.... um,
smile. Urgh!

	'Ain't no valley low enough'

	By now I was having a huge smile plastered on my face. And boy, the
man had fire in his eyes.

	"Ain't no river wide enough," I sang to him as I swiftly ran
away. And yeah with hands all over the air.

	Oh my, what's happening to me?!

	From behind, I heared the man yell, "Crazy teenager!"

	If you need me (I need you)
	Call me, no matter where you are
	No matter how far
	Just call my name
	And I'll be there in a hurry
	On that you can depend
	No need to worry
	'Cause you see, darling
	There ain't no mountain high enough
	There ain't no river wide enough
	To keep me from getting to you

	Ain't no mountain high enough (oh yeah)
	Ain't no valley low enough (ooh)
	Ain't no river wide enough (baby, baby, baby, baby)
	To keep me from you
	Ain't no mountain high enough (oh yeah)
	Ain't no valley low enough (ooh)
	Ain't no river wide enough (ain't no river wide enough)
	To keep me from you

	And as quick as it started, the song began to fade in a single zip.
Like a busted tape recorder.

	Then I realized that I lost her. Shit! Where is she?

	I tried to search everything inshight but all I saw was this white
door with a sign 'ladies' up on it.

	Oh, no. I'm not doing it. Urgh! Do I really have to?

	'Ain't no..'

	Okay! Okay! Just stop with the singing already! Jeez, and I thought
the Osbornes were weird.

	So then I entered the ladies room. Okay, this is supposed to be my
first time here but damn, that's a lot of stalls!

	I tried to check if anybody was around and was relieved when no one
was there. Just then I heard someone crying. I look down again and checked
if anyone was there but I didn't see anything.

	But my mind was determined to find her.

	Oh, you really have no idea who she is do you? The one person that
could only pull off this spying pranks. Come on think man! The library, the
books, the secret letters, the voice. Oh, I give up!

	"Trish, it's me Edo. Look I just want to talk."

	"Go away!" she screamed.

	"No, not until you tell me what's wrong."

	"I said go away damn it!" And with one strike, the last stall
opened revealing a very red and puffy Trish Payne.

	My heart broke when I saw her, "Oh, Trish whats wrong?" I cried.

	"What's wrong?!" She got furious, "You go fucking Pat Morkins and
you tell me what's wrong?!"

	Oh. Oh, she thought I was with Pat. She thought I was flirting with
someone else... what the? What am I doing? She's not even my girlfriend,
we're not even together!

	"Look Trish would you calm down? Pat and I are just friends
together with Jed. We we're just hanging out. By the way, I haven't seen
you since the day you came to my house with Mr. Krauss."

	"Don't change the subject Edo! I know about you and that bitch. I
saw you two hugging each other over at lunch. She was touching you all
over!"

	I was getting frustrated, "I told you she's just a friend and at
that time I badly needed her friendship. You knew I became so depressed for
weeks, I can't even talk to anyone at school."

	"But I'm here Edo. You could talk to me. I just couldn't seem to
think that you would rather choose that bitch instead of me."

	I breathed. This is it. I promised myslef I would do this just so
it won't get out of hand but by the looks of it, it already has.

	"I don't love you Trish."

	There. Plain and simple. I kept telling myself, it was the right
thing to do but I can't seem to think that my heart broke along with it
saying those damn words. Seeing her reaction, watching her tears run down
her face, I began to hate myself for being so stupid and wait for so long
to tell her how I feel about her.

	She just sat there motionless, like life literally was drained out
of her body.

	Then I started to imagine.

	What if the image I'm seeing right now is Pat. She, sitting there
with a dead expression, holding the thought that Jed dosen't really love
her. She would have her hankerchief at the floor, never picking it up
because if she does, she'll cry all over again.

	Then it was Jarrod's turn. A lifeless Jarrod with clenched fists
and red face. The holes on the wall would indicate a brusied hand that
shattered it's remains. He would think of Pat. Yes. But mostly he would
think, 'what did I do wrong?' I guess it was all back to him.

	We've been there. We've stayed there. We call it, 'The Burn Ward'.
The moment were misery comes and pain is endless.

	I smiled at myself as I recalled my time in the Burn Ward.

	Yes. I was in that stall crying with my feet up. Trying to be a
ball that no one could see. Yes, I've had my fair share moments in the Burn
Ward.  But it was never about love.

	It was about family.

	"Why?" Trish's soft voice resounded in the room, "Why don't you
love me?"

	I knew that at this time words are useless. Because it's all about
pain when you're in there, you can't really think.

	But it wasn't my part to judge her like that. Because she's a
strong willed person and telling her the truth is the least I could do to
ease her suffering.

	"I don't know Trish..."

	"It's about my hair isn't it? I wear too much clothes for you? I
know it's the perfume, damn! I shouldn't have brought that one!"

	I smiled at her, "Trish, it isn't about that. I like you just the
way you are..." I trailed off.

	"Without this, or this, or this, " I said as I pointed to all her
jewelries aside, "But I can't like you the way you want me to. So please
don't blame yourself, there's nothing you did wrong that could ever make me
not want you. It's just that..."

	"That what?" I looked at her straight in the eyes.

	Should I tell her everything? Should I tell her that I'm not
attracted to her bacause I'm gay?

	I just breathed, trying hard not to cry, "It's just that I love
somebody else."

	"I knew that bitch had that effect on you!"

	"No Trish, it's not Pat. It's..." God, what am I saying here? I
don't love Jed. I just have a crush on him, that's all. Never love.

	I guess Trish noticed my nervousness cause she just smiled at me.

	"You don't have to say anything Edo. You don't," she continued, "I
know this sounds cliche and you must have heard this a thousand times but
when you love someone you've got to let them go." She was breaking into
tears again.

	I tried to calm her down but she soon stopped me, "I love you Edo
with all my heart. I guess you know that by now. And I will always love you
for the rest of my life."

	By now, I'm surprised by her courage. Eventhough the world she so
believes in crumbled just minutes ago, she managed to keep her head high.

	"Awwww, fuck, now all my make-up's gone to waste." She laughed.

	I tried to join her, "Nah, see without make-up you're beautiful,
inside and out."

	"You really think so, or are you just pulling my leg lover boy."

	"Hey why does everybody keep calling me loverboy? But still Trish,
you should really try to be youself, the real you. Without caring what
others think."

	"Really and who told you that?"

	"Oh, nothing just a friend... who has a deep crush on you."

	*Wink* *Wink*

	Ow! What you did that for? Hey if you hit me again, I'll kiss Trish
over here. OW! Stop hitting me!

	"Really, and who might that be? Somebody I already know? Somebody
close?"

	"Oh, he's close alright!" *Smack* Hey, I'm gonna file you for child
abuse!

	And then before I could say another word, two women busted into the
door. Soon after much talking they began to notice that there was a man in
the room.

	Oh, God. I think that's the most embarassing moment in my life.

	And before I knew it, Trish rescued me before I became the bursting
tomato.

	"So they threw you out of the men's room just because your gay?!"
Trish's voice echoed from the four walls of the room while the two women
waited for my response.

***

	"Hey grams, I'm here!" I shouted.

	I'm exhausted. After all that running and shopping and more
running, I just want to colapse in the couch.

	Oh, yeah I didn't tell you about what happened after Trish and I
talked.  Well, I came back finding Pat and Jed with worried looks on their
faces. I just told them the short version of the story minus the running
crazy around the mall.  They took it pretty well. Pat kept teasing me about
Trish while Jed just stared at the table the whole time. Anyway, Trish said
she had to go. And there. I ended up lying in this couch.

	"Edo, good you're home," she entered in the living room, "Trent
called, said something about tomorrow night, I can't really remember."

	"Okay, I'll call him."

	"After that Jarrod..."

	I immediately stood up. I haven't heard from Jarrod for awhile now,
"What about Jarrod?"

	"He said something about visiting this Saturday," grams said.

	"Really! Whoopie!" I said as I jumped up and down from the couch. I
began to chant like an indian who's prayers have been answered.

	"Hey! Hey! Calm down there tiger," she exclaimed obviuosly noticing
my excitement.

	"And your father came by to check on you."

	The minute I heard 'father' I completely stopped. Excusing myself,
I began to pace up to my room.

	"Edo, if there's something you want to talk about, I'm here."

	I turned around displaying my genuine smile. I know she meant well
but at times like these, when everything is going so smooth, I'd rather not
talk anything about my father. For me, he's as plain as history.

	I closed the door behind me.

	No Edo, your not going to cry or get angry or anything else. That's
what he wants, for you to feel sorry for him.

	So I just layed at my bed. I took the pillow beside me and covered
my face. God this feels awful.

	I tried to think on how to take my dad out of my mind. And soon I
realized that I have to call Trent.

	I quickly dialed his number hoping that he was home. He told me he
was working part time since he dosen't earn much with the band.

	"Hello?" It was him.

	"Hi Trent."

	"Edo?"

	"Yup. Why did you call? Is everything alright?"

	"Yeah, just called if we're still on tomorrow."

	"Of course, you know the place right? They'll be there at six so
you might want to go ealrier. How's the vocalist?"

	"He's still at the hospital. But don't worry he'll be out in a
week."

	"Glad to hear it. I'm starting to get worried that the band's tired
of hearing me sing."

	"Are you kidding? They love you. Your a natural."

	"Ha, I took voice lessons from my piano teacher when I was twelve.
She literally made me dive and sing in the pool everyday just so she won't
hear my changing voice."

	"Well, I haven't heard singing underwater but I guess she made the
right decision, cause man you've got on hell of a voice."

	"Hey, if you keep this up, my head is gonna blow. Anyway about
tommorrow, um I'd like to bring someone if you don't mind."

	"Well, I'm not the organizer of the event but sure. So who's the
lucky boy?"

	"Actually it's a girl."

	"Don't tell me..."

	"No, no she's a friend. Her name is Trish."

	"You mean the girl that came by to your house with a teacher?!"
Hm...  somehow he sounds excited.

	"Yeah. You interested?" Somehow I have to push that one in.

	"Man she's hot!" Oh, we've got a competition here.

	In my mind I had to laugh, suddenly Trish was the new hot babe in
town, attracting every straight guy in the planet.

	Oh, wait. I forgot, you're not so straight!

	Ow! You hit me again with that thing and I swear I'm gonna kiss
Trish at the party!

	"What did you say?" Trent echoed.

	"Oh, nothing. See you tomorrow!"

	"Bye." and then he hung up.

***

	"Pat stop it, you're gonna kill yourself," I warned her as she was
gulping down the last drops of her beer.

	I looked around. The band has been set, the lights, the
decorations.  The place was almost packed! I took a glance over Trish who
was now in the midst of the crowd. I just waved at her to come join us at
our table.

	"I'm not going to kill myself Edo. Look I'll just finish this
bottle over here," Pat said.

	Well I never really thought Pat has a drinking problem until now. I
looked over at Jed who was eagerly forcing her to stop but just gave up on
it.  I guess it's just one of those 10 things you don't know about Pat
Morkins.

	"Hey, glad you could join us," I said to Trish as she took a seat
beside me.

	But before she could answer, a voice yelled, "They're here!"

	And with that, the lights just turned off, the people began to
quiet down while everyone was downright excited.

	Then the front door opened. A silohhete of a young woman and man
came in. The man's hand was covering the woman's eyes as they walk through
the dark.

	"Krauss, if this is one of your funny little games..." the woman
said.

	But before she knew it, the man realsed his hand, the lights were
on and the room fell into a big, "Surprise!"

	Then as though she caught a student cheating on her exams, she put
her arms on her waist and a sheepish smile formed on her face. All this
time the crowd was singing 'Happy Birthday' to Ms. Jane.

	After that everyone was flocking at her. I persoanlly kissed her on
the cheek and handed her my gift that I bought from the mall yesterday. She
just hugged me back and lipped 'thank you'.

	Then I moved up front where Trent and I met. Soon, I reached for
the mike and started to talk.

	Normally, this would be the time where I run down the stage like a
baby but this time I didn't do it. I finally got rid of my fear. I guess
practice makes perfect huh?

	"As you all know we are hear today for a very special reason. And
that reason came in a form of Ms. Jane. I don't know about any of you here
but Ms.  Jane is not only a teacher but a friend. A friend who was just
there to kick my ass and will be there whenever I need somebody. So 'dude',
this is for you."

	As soon as I heard the fast beat of the drums, I felt a sudden
surge in my body. I began to sway like crazy as the lead guitar strummed. I
heared the crowd cheer and saw Ms. Jane beside Pat, Jed, and Trish all
dancing to the beat.

	Didn't they say that I would make a mistake
	Didn't they say you were gonna be trouble
	People told me you were too much to take
	I could see it, I didn't wanna know
	I let you in and you let me down
	You pushed me up and you turned my whole life around
	I could feel that I had no where to go
	I was alone, how was I too know that..
	You'll be there, when I needed somebody
	You'll be there, the only one who can help me

	I had a picture of you in my mind
	never knew it could be so wrong
	Why'd it take me so long just to find
	the friend that was there all along.

	Soon everybody was dancing. They had this unusual dance
choreography headed by Pat (who was clealry drunk). I smiled as everyone
started moving in one motion.

	Then as I was about to sing the next verse, I heard a voice from
behind me sing.

	Who'd believe that after all we've been through
	I'd be able to put my whole trust in you

	Wait a minute, Jed's not supposed to be singing with me. I looked
at Trent and he had that innocent smile on his face. And soon I felt Jed
whispiring to me, "We have got to stop meeting like this." I just looked at
him then to Trent who was obviuosly staring at Trish's direction.

	Urgh! the guy set me up! He still wants me and Jed to be
together. Urgh!  But then I didn't know why but I just suddenly calmed
down. I guess it was because of Jed's voice. It was the second time I
heared it and God, it was the voice the launched a thousand karaokes

	Goes to show you can't forgive and forget
	looking back, I have no regrets cause..

	You will be there, when I needed somebody
	You will be there, the only one to help me

	I had a picture of you in my mind
	Never knew it could be so wrong
	Why'd it take me so long just to find
	the friend that was there all along

	You will be there, when I needed somebody
	You will be there, the only one to help me

	I had a picture of you in my mind
	never knew it could be so wrong
	Why'd it take me so long just to find
	the friend that was there all along

	Jed and I kept smiling the whole time. Soon, the song started to
fade in the background and the people where now sitting at their tables
exhausted.

	"You were great," Jed said.

	"So are you."

	"Well, I haven't really got to know your name," Jed smiled
sheepishly.  Oh, so he's going to play this game again.

	But as soon as I opened my mouth, Pat came tumbling up the stage,
 hugging Jed instantly.

	"Jed you're amazing!" Pat kissed him on the cheek, "You too Edo,"
she was obviously too drunk.

	I guess Trish noticed it and jumped at the stage and hugged me too,
"Hey, you know you should be a singer."

	And I just looked at Jed and I saw him looking straight at me.

	We were two singers choking to death.

***

	It was already late when the party ended. I can see Ms. Jane really
had a good time, she even had a bikini and a trip to hawaii for a birthday
gift.  I just came to her and said goodbye while the people around her are
still waiting for their gifts to be opened. I guess the faculty and the
students just adore her. And right now, at this moment she certainly holds
all of the pieces of the puzzle together.

	"Hey, Edo we need to go, I think Pat needs to rest," Jed said as I
saw Pat lying on the wall talking Japanese.

	"Yeah sure," I turned and Trish peeped in. I remembered that she
just came by here all by herself, "um, but what about Trish?" I said
suggestively.

	"Trish could join us, where are you from?"

	But before Trish could answer, Trent's head appeared, "I could take
her."

	"It's you," Trish looked surprised.

	"It's me," Trent blushed.

	Am I missing something here? There was an awkward silence for a
minute.  Jed was about to debate but I motioned for him to just let it
go. And then we were off leaving the two lovebirds in their cage.

	Carrying a drunk lady along a wide parking lot is torture. Pat kept
cussing everything in site, not that there was much but she was just too
loud to bear.

	Then she suddenly spoke in English, "Why don't we play little a
game, truth and tell,"

	Jed and I just looked at each other and ignored her.

	"The first question is... Edo are you a virgin?" I shrugged my
shoulders.

	"No.... yes, damn!" I found myself answering her.

	Jed just snickered. But soon enough, Trish asked him the same
question and said that he wasn't. Then Trish forced me to ask her and she
said she's fucked so many times her pussy was wide enough to build the
great Wall Of China around it.

	She continued this series of questions until she finally had the
last one.

	"Edo... are you gay?" I stoppped in my tracks.

	Of course Pat knows I'm gay. But Jed. Should I tell him? After all,
he's my friend, right? I glanced at Jed who was also staring straight at
me.  I don't know but he had that hopeful eyes.

	"I'm... I'm... I'm... not" I surprised myslef. I'm not? I caught
Jed's eyes and he seems dejected.

	"Ask me! ask me!" Pat barked like nothing happened.

	"Are you gay Pat?" I said trying to sound disinterested.

	"Hell no, I'm no homo!"

	I just glared at Pat. God, I hate drunkards.

	"How about you sweetie? Are you gay?" Pat said to Jed.

	For some reason the 'gay' part seem to echo louder in my mind. Jed
was shocked. He turned too me and was sweating like crazy. And soon Pat
reapeated the question.

	"Honey, are you gay?" this time whispering suductively on his ear.

	From here, Jed was a about to burst. I was just about to tell Pat
to leave him alone when Jed's voice squeaked.

	"I'm gay." This time he was staring directly at my eyes, without
flinching.

	Then we heared a loud thump in the ground.

	Pat fainted on the parking lot.

***
A little crazy chapter there. I know, I know, Edo's a potential mental patient
but hey some of us do hear music whenever we do something right? No? Oh well.
Anyway, I know it's pretty long but I think it's worth it. I just want to take
the story in a happy mood before it ends. Thank you for all the emails, and
keep reading. Stay cool guys!

*afterglow