Date: Fri, 24 Dec 2010 11:08:55 -0800 (PST)
From: Doug Smith <das11111@yahoo.com>
Subject: High School: The Move, Chapter 11

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

This story is a work of FICTION. The events described have only occurred in
my mind.  Any similarities to actual events or persons are strictly
coincidental.

THIS STORY CONTAINS GRAPHIC DEPICTIONS OF CONSENSUAL SEXUAL ACTS BETWEEN
HIGH SCHOOL AGE MALES. IT IS INTENDED FOR A MATURE AUDIENCE ONLY! IF YOU
FIND THIS TYPE OF MATERIAL OFFENSIVE, OR IF YOU ARE UNDER 18, OR UNDER THE
LEGAL AGE TO VIEW SUCH MATERIAL THEN PLEASE READ NO FURTHER.


The author retains the copyright, and any other rights, to this
original story.  You may not publish it or any part of it without
explicit authorization from me.

This story is kind of a prequel/sequel to another story I wrote
called The Diary which appears in the college section.  That
story is not complete but work should resume soon.  I have
much more written for this story. I say 'kind of' because this
story is being written after that story but is earlier in time.
I took some liberties with 'history' and also any current day
events that might be referenced.

PLEASE NOTE: Feedback, both positive and negative, is welcomed
and greatly appreciated. Please understand this is just a hobby
so please don't flame me too bad.  Please email das11111@yahoo.com
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Chapter 11

"Hey, is that anyway to greet you best friend once removed?  You said you
wished I was here and here I am.  I told you it's a short flight from
Chicago and my father has tons of frequent flier miles."

"Wow, I can't believe this.  Come in.  Mom!! Dad!! Look who is here!!!!"

My parents came in and saw Jason.  "Jason, this is a surprise, what are you
doing here?"

"I came to see my main bud here.  I missed him."

They looked at him skeptically before looking at me.  "Do your parents know
you're here?"

"Of course," he laughed.  "I used some of my dad's frequent flier miles.
He wanted me to call first but I wanted to surprise Dan."

"You sure did.  Come in.  How long can you stay?"

"I have to fly back tomorrow.  Maybe you don't have school on Mondays
around here but we do in Illinois.  I hope I can stay with you tonight," he
smiled.

"Of course you can.  I'm so glad to see you," I said pulling him into a
hug.

"Hey man, I'm still straight," he laughed hugging me back.

"Thank you," I whispered in his ear holding him tight.  I felt him nod
against my shoulder.

"Let's go upstairs. I'll show you my room."  I started pushing Jason
towards the stairs.  I'm sure my parents wondered why he just showed up.
They knew we were friends but for him to show up without calling was
unusual. I didn't care though.  I was just happy to see him.  I couldn't
believe he jumped on a plane when he got my email.

When we got upstairs I closed my door and fell on my bed.  "Oh man, I can't
believe you're here.  You're the best."

"Danny, (Jason was one of the few people who called me that) your email got
me worried.  I tried to IM you but you weren't there.  You didn't answer
your phone either.  What's going on?"

"I'm sorry.  I went to bed right after I emailed you and I taught a karate
course this morning.  I shouldn't have sent that email.  I was tired.  I
didn't mean for you to worry.  We could have talked on the phone but I am
glad you're here.  It's good to see you."

"Karate?  I thought you weren't doing that anymore.  That sounds like
you're doing good but your email made it sound like things are worse.
What's going on?"

"Not here.  My parents might hear.  They can't know.  Let's go to lunch.
I'll tell you all about it.  I'm not sure what you can do but I need to
tell someone."

"Let's go then.  You drive.  I took a taxi from the airport."

"I can't believe you got on a plane to come see me.  I know Chicago is a
quick flight but wow, you're here," I smiled hugging him again before we
opened the door.  "If you weren't straight I'd kiss you right here."

"Hey, you keep this up and Andrea will get jealous," he laughed.  "I had to
come.  You would have done the same thing and you know it."

"I know," I said. "But you did.  I love you man."

He laughed.  "You can keep saying that all you want, I'm still not going to
sleep with you.  No matter how much you want my hot bod."

I smiled but there were tears in my eyes.  They were happy tears though.
Jason and I used to joke like this all the time.  He is as straight as they
come but accepted me for who I am.  He has also been there for me since
Aaron died.  I loved him but certainly not like 'that'.

"I guess you can use the guest room," I said faking a pout. "Let's go.
I'll show you around."

We went downstairs.  "Mom, Dad, ... Jason and I are going out to lunch.
We'll be back later."

Mom said to have a good time but I know she was wondering what was going
on.  She wasn't stupid.  I obviously hadn't mentioned Jason coming since I
didn't know and here he was.  It wasn't a normal thing for a kid to do.
I'm sure she'd be asking questions later.

He climbed in the passenger side of the jeep just like old times.  "This is
fantastic Jay.  I can't tell you how good it is to see you.  I miss
home. This place isn't the same."

"It can't be that bad."

"Some of it's okay.  I've met a few kids, I joined a gym, and I've even
been going out with a girl but just as friends.  In fact we have a date
tonight but it's no big deal, the three of us can do something."

He gave me a strange look when I mentioned going out with Becky.

"So what's wrong with it?"

"I don't know where to start.  I really thought I was getting better.  I
was, wasn't I?  Wasn't I doing pretty good when school started?  I mean I
still missed Aaron but I was dealing with it, wasn't I?"

"Dan, slow down.  Start from the beginning."

"Alright, but let's wait until we get to the mall. There's a TGIF there.
That okay?"

"Sure, let's go."

We got to the mall and went in to sit down.  It wasn't very crowded so we
got seated right away.  "Okay," I said.  "You know how the first day of
school is for new kids, right?  ..  I obviously didn't know anyone.  I did
meet these two guys but they thought I was an asshole for something that
happened before school."

"You pissed someone off before you even started school? What did you do?"

"Nothing.  I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.  I have pissed
off one guy but that isn't the problem.  It may be a problem but not the
real problem."

"What's going on then?"

"Well, at lunch I was talking to these two guys.  I was explaining how they
got the wrong impression of me."

"And?"

"We were just talking.  They realized they had jumped to conclusions and we
were just talking.  That's when 'he' sat down."

"What?? You're not going to tell me this is about getting with some guy are
you?  That isn't why I jumped on the first flight to see you is it?"  He
almost sounded angry.

I frowned and looked around to see if anyone heard him.  "Keep it down Jay.
Of course not.  Besides, in this case I've kind of been there, done that."

"What are you talking about?  You're not telling me you've hooked up with
someone already have you.  Christ Dan, Colt was after you all summer and
you completely blew him off because of Aaron and you've already hooked up
here?"

"Be serious Jay.  You know me better than that.  Besides, Colt is after
anyone with a cock.  It's Aaron."

"What do you mean 'it's Aaron'.  What does he have to do with this?"

"You don't understand.  The kid ....  Aaron ... They're fucking identical."

"What are you talking about?"

"Jay, I'm serious.  If you put Aaron and Josh next to each other even I
would have trouble telling them apart.  In fact I did."

"Come on Dan, you've got to be exaggerating?"

"No Jay.  I'm serious.  This kid sat down, I looked over and freaked.  I
couldn't believe it.  At first I thought it was Aaron but I knew it
couldn't be.  I fucking fainted right there in the cafeteria.  My first
day.  ...  Jay, I have to see this kid every day.  He's in most of my
classes.  I can't concentrate.  I can't sleep.  I don't know what to do."

"Okay Dan.  Just relax.  I'm here.  We'll figure something out.  Have you
told anyone?"

"Yeah, the guidance counselor.  I don't know why.  She and I had talked in
the morning and for some reason I told her when she found out I fainted.  I
guess I had to tell someone.  Want to know something else weird?  The
guidance counselor?  She's his aunt."

"Is she going to tell him?"

"She says I should talk to him but I can't.  Every time I see him I can't
bring myself to say anything. At first I felt like he stole something from
Aaron.  Now we just don't talk."

"Okay, let's skip lunch.  I want to see this kid.  It's not that I don't
believe you Dan.  I just need to see for myself."

"What?  I don't know where he is today.  I assume he's at his house but
it's not like I can walk up to the door and introduce you."

"Do you know where he lives?"

"Yeah, but what good is that going to do if he's inside?"

"Maybe you can't walk up to the door but I can," he smiled.  "Let's go."

"What are you going to do?"

"Relax Dan.  I'm not going to say anything.  I just want to see him.  I
know you think he looks like Aaron but maybe I can make you see he's not
Aaron."

I frowned.  "Jay, I know he's not Aaron.  I'm not that much of a mental
case."

He told the waitress we needed to go and then dragged me out to the jeep.
I had my reservations about whether this was a good idea but drove Jay to
Josh's house anyway.  He told me his plan on the way.  He said he was just
going to pretend he had the wrong house.  He had me drive down the street
next to Josh's first.  He said he was going to make it look like he had the
wrong street.

When we got to Josh's street I parked down the road.  I don't know if Josh
knew my jeep or not but I didn't want to take any chances.  It might look
strange if he looked out and didn't see Jay's car but that was better than
seeing me.  Fortunately nobody seemed to be home at Danny's house either.
I cautioned Jay once more to be careful.  I wanted to make sure he wouldn't
say anything to Josh.  I also wanted to make sure he wouldn't say anything
to upset him.  Jay just looked at me and told me not to worry.

I watched as Jay walked up Josh's driveway before I couldn't see him
anymore.  It seemed like he was gone longer than the three or four minutes
he actually was.  When he came back he quickly got into the jeep.

"Drive," he said.

"What's the matter?"

"Nothing, just drive.  Man, I can't believe that.  You definitely weren't
exaggerating.  He just sat down next to you?  I can see why you freaked.
You didn't hug him or anything did you?"

"No, I didn't hug him doofus."

"What did you do?"

"I told you. I fainted.  It was like I was sitting with Aaron.  I knew
where I was but it was all wrong.  The next thing I knew I was laying on
the floor looking up at everyone.  Nice introduction to a new school,
right?"

"Don't worry Dan.  We'll figure something out.  What do you know about
him?"

"Not much really.  His aunt said something about his mother dying a few
years ago.  I guess it's just his father and him.  She didn't seem to think
much of his father.  I saw him when I picked up a kid across the street
this morning.  He looked like a real piece of work."

"I saw his father.  Asshole is more like it.  It's just after lunch and I
swear he's drunk already. He was yelling at Josh while he was telling me I
had the wrong street.  He seems like a good kid for what it's worth.  I
mean he was friendly.  He didn't strike me as an asshole at least.  I kind
of felt sorry for him.  If his father is like that when someone is at the
door then what is he like when nobody is around?"

"His father was drunk when I picked Danny up this morning.  He was standing
on the front steps in his boxers yelling at Josh while he was raking
leaves."

"That kid's life must really suck."

"Thanks Jason.  That makes me feel much better.  You've been a big help," I
said sarcastically.

"Dan, we'll figure something out.  Let's go back and get something to eat."

"What am I going to do?  I know he's not Aaron and I kind of resent him but
the more I see him the more I think he's a good kid.  I also feel kind of
protective of him.  I've never seen anyone hassle him but if they did I'd
kick the shit out of them.  The problem is every time he even tries to say
hello I can't even talk to him.  I'm sure he thinks I'm an asshole."

My cell chirped as we were driving back to the mall.  It was a text from
Becky asking what time I was going to pick her up.

"It's Becky" I told Jason.  "She wants to know what time I'm going to pick
her up."

"I can't believe you're going out with a girl.  Does she know about you?"

I explained who Becky was and how she figured out I was gay.  I emphasized
that she was just a friend.

"She's fun and good to talk to.  Maybe we can all go out."

"Have you told her about any of this?"

"No, of course not.  She's perceptive though.  She picked up that I'm gay
after about an hour.  She also knows something is up between me and Josh.
She just thinks he likes me."

"Is he gay?"

"I don't know.  Becky says I have to get my gaydar fixed."

He laughed.  "Can I have the rights to this story?  It would make a great
soap opera."

"You're a big help."

When we got back to the mall we went back to TGIF and ordered lunch.  I
called Becky to tell her I'd pick her up around six.  We could get
something to eat before the movies.  I did tell her a friend of mine had
flown in from Chicago and asked if it was okay if he came along.

"Yes Becky, he's good looking" ..... "No, he's straight."  ....  "Yes, I'm
sure." ...  "Because I know his girlfriend.  If he cheated on her he'd
never be able to have kids."  ....  "I know Becky, I'll see you later."
.... "Bye"

"I'm going to tell Andrea you said that."

"Deny it all you want.  You know it's true.  You're as whipped as they
come.  And you enjoy it."

He laughed.  "Yeah, you're right.  She can whip me all she wants."

I smiled.  They really did make a good couple and I was glad he was happy.
After we ordered sandwiches Jason began talking.

"Dan, I want you to look at me and tell me you're not looking at this kid
as some type of replacement for Aaron.  You don't think he's Aaron do you?"

That thought was absurd..  I never looked at Josh as a replacement for
Aaron in that way.  Even if we became friends I would still think of him as
Josh ... wouldn't I?  "Jay, do you really think I'm that bad?  That's
ridiculous."

"I didn't think so.  I was just making sure.  That would be pretty weird."

"It wouldn't say much for my relationship with Aaron either," I said.  "Do
you really think he meant so little to me that I could simply replace him
with someone who looks like him or that I'm so shallow I would do something
like that to Josh?"

"No Dan, of course not.  It's just that your lights haven't all been on the
last year.  I'm your friend Dan. I'm just making sure."

"I couldn't do that.  I may have wondered if I could see him for himself
and be able to have a relationship with him but I really don't see that
happening.  Besides, despite what Becky says I assume he's straight.  At
least I haven't seen anything that makes me think otherwise.  If that's
true the best that could happen is for us is to be friends and that's
unlikely since I can't even talk to him."

"I know it won't be easy but I really think the only way for this to end
well is for you to talk to him.  Tell him what's going on.  It may not mean
you'll get along with him but at least things will be out in the open.
Communication always helps.  He seemed like a good guy so I'm sure he'll
understand."

"Oh yeah, that will work. 'Hi Josh, I really can't stand looking at you
because you look like my dead boyfriend' I can hear his reaction now."

"Dan, don't be an asshole.  I'm trying to help."

"I know.  I'm sorry Jay.  I know I should talk to him but I haven't been
able to."

"You don't have to tell him like that.  Just tell him he looks like your
best friend who died last year and that you're having trouble dealing with
it.  Show him a picture of Aaron.  You do have one where you don't have
your hands all over each other don't you?"

"Shut up asshole."

"I'm just giving you a hard time."

"I know and I know I should talk to him.  I just don't know how.  He comes
near me and I can't think straight. You can't imagine what the past month
has been like.  He has to think I'm some type of asshole."

"It didn't sound like that when I talked to him."

"What do you mean?  You didn't talk about me did you?"

"Of course not.  We were just making conversation.  I told him I had just
flown in from Chicago and was looking for a friend's house.  I gave him an
address on the next street over.  He just said there was a kid in his
school who moved from Chicago. I assume he was talking about you.  It
didn't sound like he thought you're an asshole."

"How about this?  Tell someone else who knows him.  Are these guys you
mentioned friends of his?  Could you tell them so they could help you talk
to him?  How about Becky?  Is that her name? Could she help?  I'm sure if
he knew he'd understand.  Like I said, he seemed like a good guy.  At least
then you could talk to him. Besides, with a father like that he could
probably use all the friends he can get."

"I'll think about it.  That's actually not a bad idea.  I probably would
feel better if he knew what was going on.  I'm not sure Becky is the right
person.  She'd help but she doesn't really know him that well.  He seems
closer to Chris and Ryan or another kid we both know.  In fact I really
don't see him talking to anyone else.  One of them would probably be
better."

"It'll work Dan.  It's always better when you can talk it out.  I know
it'll be hard for you because of what Aaron meant to you.  If you want to
go find these guys we can do it now.  I'll be there with you.  You don't
have to tell them everything.  Just tell them Aaron was your best friend
and you grew up with him.  I'm sure they're good guys if you like them.
They'll understand."

"I don't want to do it now.  I need a break from all this."

"Promise me you'll do it though.  I'm going to call every night until you
tell me you've talked to him."

"Yes Mom.  Can we talk about something else now?  How's Andrea?"

"Alright, we can talk about something else.  Just do it, okay.  You're only
other choice is to talk to him directly.  Doing nothing like you've been
doing obviously isn't working.  If you don't then I'll come back here and
do it."

I frowned when he said that.  "I'll do it.  You're right that ignoring him
isn't working but can we please talk about something else?"

He smiled.  "Andrea is fine.  She's pissed at you because I'm here and not
with her tonight but she says to say hello."

"Tell her I appreciate it.  You want me to call her and tell her I didn't
take advantage of you?"

"I talked to her when I got off the plane.  I'm surprised she hasn't called
again.  I'll call her later. Tell me about this girl we're going out with
tonight.  Just a friend?"

"She's just a friend Jay.  I think she wanted more but figured out pretty
quick that she didn't have much of a chance.  ....  Wandering eyes," I
smiled.

"I still can't get used to the idea of some guy checking me out when I walk
by.  It's all your fault too.  I never would have even thought that if I
didn't know you and Colt."

"Or Aaron," I smiled.  "You can say his name you know. I can handle it."

"Or Aaron."

"Take it as a compliment.  Aaron always said you have a nice ass," I
laughed.

"Just as long as you look and don't touch."

"Don't worry Jay.  I'm not going to hit on you.  Besides, I noticed your
ass has gotten a little bigger since I moved."

"Asshole ... It's only been a few weeks."

"Just think what it'll look like by Christmas.  I hope we can get together
then.  You probably won't be able to fit through the door.  You certainly
won't be able to jump for many rebounds."

"You're still an asshole.  You know that?"

"I know but you love me."

He smiled.  "Yeah .... Yeah, I do.  That's why I'm here."

"I know that too.  I really miss you guys."

"We'll still get together.  You think you'll be able to come around
Christmas?  The week between Christmas and New Years is always busy because
of the Christmas Tournaments but it'll be great if you're there.  I think
I'm going to start this year."

"That's great.  You'll have to let me know.  Who knows, maybe you'll look
up in the stands and I'll be there cheering you on."

He smiled.  "You'd do that wouldn't you?"

I smiled.  Jason was a good friend.  "We should probably get going.  I can
show you around a little and then we can hang out until we get Becky.  You
sure you don't mind the three of us going out?  I'm sure she'd understand
if I said I wanted to make it another time."

"No, she sounds like fun.  Besides, we can gang up on you."

"Okay, but if you get too bad I'm taking pictures and sending them to
Andrea."

Jason and I drove around before we went back to my house.  It didn't take
long to show him the entire town but it was fun.  Mainly we just talked
like old times.  When we got back to my house we spent a couple of hours
shooting pool and playing Nintendo.  Scott came down while we were playing
pool to show me how he had practiced his katas.  He was really proud of
himself.  It was cute.

"You're creating a monster you know," smiled Jason.  "Now you're going to
have to keep with it or else he'll be able to kick your ass before you know
it."

I laughed.  "I think I have a few years."

"I don't know.  He looks pretty good."

My mother offered to make us something to eat but I told her we were going
out with Becky and would get something then.  She was still curious why
Jason was there.  I'm sure she knew it wasn't because he just felt like
coming.  Oh well, she could wonder all she wants.

We picked up Becky around five thirty.  She definitely thought Jason was
hot.  "He's taken Becky," I laughed.

"Like I told you," she sighed.  "All the good ones are either taken or
gay."

Jason, Becky and I went to the mall to find something to eat.  There was a
pizza shop across the street that wasn't too bad.  There were better around
but it would do since it was close to the movies and we wanted to make sure
we made it.  Jason and Becky got along really well.  They seemed to enjoy
ganging up on me and giving me shit.

"So you two are friends and he's able to keep his hands off you?  'It' must
have been hard Dan."

"Alright, juvenile humor, I can get into this," laughed Jason.  "Dan used
to hang out with the girls and rate all us guys.  It was embarrassing.
We'd all be talking about some girl and Dan would point out some guy
walking by."

"Are you guys having fun?  I could go put on my rainbow t-shirt if you
want."

"You have one?  Why haven't you worn it to school.?"

"I'm just joking."

"Yes, he has one or something just as bad.  You should have seen some of
the stuff he used to wear.  He'd fit right in at a Gay Pride parade."

"Keep going guys, get it out of your systems."

Jason laughed.  "Seriously Becky, Dan was pretty low key.  He was just one
of the guys."

"How long have you known he's gay?"

I looked at Jason.  "Almost two years," he said.  "I remember when I found
out.  I saw his parent's car at the mall and Dan was in the back seat.  I
wanted to surprise him so I walked up where he couldn't see me.  Man, did I
get a surprise."

I blushed.

"He was doing something in the car with some guy?"

"Jason, that's enough."

"Come on Dan, I want to know."

"So I was kissing a friend.  What's the big deal?"

"You had a boyfriend?"

"Yes, I had a boyfriend.  Haven't you had a boyfriend before?"

"Not a real one.  I'm still looking.  Tell me about him."

"There's not much to say.  He was a friend, a good friend, but we're not
together anymore."

Jason frowned at me.  I really didn't want to explain about Aaron.  He knew
that and being a friend bailed me out."

"Actually they were a cute couple if you're into that type of thing.  I was
surprised when I saw them but it was cool.  We were all friends.  We even
double dated a few times.  I just told them to keep their hands off me," he
laughed.

I knew Becky would want to know more but she dropped it for now.  Instead
they went back to trying to embarrass me.  Fortunately we had to leave if
we wanted to make the movie.

We ended up seeing "The Proposal."  Alright, it was kind of a chick flick
but it wasn't that bad.  It was kind of funny how they tried to hide things
from the guy's family.  Becky liked it.  Jason and I were ambivalent but we
had a good time.  He and I made jokes all the way through it.

"Not enough violence," I laughed as we walked out.

We dropped Becky off around eleven thirty before going back to my house.
Jason's flight wasn't until late afternoon on Sunday so we stayed up
shooting pool and talking.  It was like old times.  He didn't mention what
had been going on once.  I knew he'd 'remind' me before he left but for
tonight he and I just enjoyed each other's company.  After playing pool we
watched the end of SNL followed by a rerun of a movie we'd both seen.  I
don't even remember the name since we really didn't watch it.  We spent
most of the time talking about various people back home, what they were up
to, who was going out with who and stuff like that.  The one thing I
realized was that I had missed a lot and I'd only been gone a month.

Jason's flight was at 4:30 Sunday afternoon.  I was up around nine but he
slept until ten thirty.  My mother made him breakfast but was obviously
still wondering why he was there.  All he said was that his father had some
frequent flier miles and that he wanted to surprise me.  He knew I wasn't
doing anything since we had talked earlier in the week.  I'm not sure she
was convinced but didn't ask anything else.

I drove him to the airport around three.  We talked more about me coming to
Chicago over the Christmas holidays.  I knew it wouldn't be the same as if
I was still living there but it would be a good time.  Since he only had an
overnight bag he didn't have anything to check plus we had already printed
out his boarding pass.  We went to the food court right outside the
security checkpoint and had something to drink before he went through
security.

"You're going to talk to those two guys, right?  If you don't then I'll be
back."

"Yes Jay.  I'll either talk to them or try talking to Josh myself.  I'm
thinking that might be better."

"Whichever, just make sure you do it.  I'll give you a week.  If you
haven't done anything by then I'll be back and drag your ass over to his
house and I'll tell him.  So you can either man up and do it or be a wuss,
your choice," he smiled.

"I will Jason. I promise."

Fortunately the line going through security wasn't very long so we had more
time to talk.  Eventually he had to go however and got up to get in line.

"Thanks for coming Jay.  It meant a lot."  There were tears in my eyes.

He saw my tears and smiled.  "You really are gay aren't you? Come on, I
know you want to give me a hug.  Just keep your hand off my ass."

I smiled.  "You're just figuring that out?"

"Good-bye Dan," he said giving me a hug.  "And this doesn't make me gay."

"I know.  You know I've never thought of you like that."

"I know, that's why I let you hug me and tell me you love me."

I smiled as he picked up his bag and headed through security.  It was funny
how he had to take off his shoes and belt before going through the metal
detector.  I laughed when the guy patted him down anyway.  I waited until
he got on the plane before walking back to my jeep.  I saw what I assumed
was his plane taking off as I was leaving the parking lot.

The more I thought about it the more I thought I should just talk with
Josh.  I knew Jason was right and that things would be better once they
were out in the open.  I guess I always knew that.

To Be Continued