Date: Sun, 21 May 2006 18:31:44 -0400
From: Ron <ronyx@woh.rr.com>
Subject: You Promised Me a Tomorrow   Chapter 5

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



You Promised Me a Tomorrow Chapter 5



I don't know where TJ went after he left the cafeteria. He was a no-show
for fifth and sixth periods. I was really worried about him. I was also
extremely pissed at Deanna. She tried to apologize to me after school,
but I told her if she came anywhere near me I would kick her ass. I
didn't care if she was a girl. She started crying and walked away.

Dean and Wilson also found me later sitting on a bleacher at the football
field. I wanted to be alone. I don't know what it was that captivated me
about TJ, but I didn't want to admit that I may have fallen for him. I
know. We just met, but maybe there was something to this thing called
`love at first sight.' I always thought it was something Hollywood
manufactured just to make a good movie.

"Come on, Randy. He'll be back tomorrow." It was Wilson's voice as he
sat down beside me. For a minute, I thought the bench was going to give
way. Wilson may be straight as an arrow, but he can read me like a book.

"Yeah. Don't sweat it man. You just met." Dean was trying to sound
reassuring, but he was failing miserably. "Kiss him before you miss
him." He laughed, but stopped when I looked at him and rolled my eyes.

"You guys believe in love at first sight?" I seriously asked.

"I fell in love with you the first time I saw you. You were really cute
when you were five." Dean elbowed me in the side.

"No, seriously. Do you?" I was so confused with the thoughts going
through my head. I'd been with a few guys, but none had stolen my heart
the way TJ had. In fact, I didn't think anyone ever could until he came
along.

"When I first met Trisha, I knew she was special." Wilson began to
speak. "Here was a beautiful girl laughing at the jokes of a big lug
like me. I knew I loved her right away. I just didn't think she'd ever
look at someone like me."

Dean and I listened intently. Wilson was not someone who talked about his
feelings. He'd stay up all night listening to you complain and cry, but
he kept his emotions to himself. This was a side of Wilson neither of us
had seen before.

"When I got the nerve to ask her to the homecoming dance last year, I
couldn't believe it when she accepted. We really got to know each other
that night. It took me six dates to finally kiss her, but when I did I
saw heaven. To answer your question. Yes, Randy. I do believe in love at
first sight."

We sat quietly on that bench for another five minutes before anyone said
a word. Wilson just stared across the field. I was pretty sure he was
reminiscing about his first kiss with Trisha. It's hard to say what Dean
was thinking. Probably what his mother was going to fix for dinner.

"I think I'm going to head home." I finally said.

"Want me to give you a ride?" Dean offered.

"Naw. Think I'll walk. I need to think." We all stood and had a group
hug. I loved my two best friends. They have always been there for me when
I needed them.

When I entered the kitchen Dad was already preparing dinner. He looked up
and smiled when he saw me.

"How was the first day back?" He asked. I walked over to the
refrigerator and took out the lettuce and began to make a salad.

"OK." I replied sadly.

"Oh, oh." He laughed. "Bad schedule?"

"Nope." I sadly replied.

"Wanna talk about it?" He seemed concerned.

"Yep." Tears began to form in my eyes. We spent the next hour talking
about TJ. It was a little hard to make any decisions, since I knew very
little about him. I didn't know if he was gay or if he even liked me. It
felt good to talk about it, though. My dad is a good listener and he
offers great advice. We finally decided to just let things happen and see
where they go. All I knew was that I wanted desperately to talk to TJ
again.

I got up early and begged my mom to take me to school earlier than usual.
She agreed, saying nothing. I guess my dad had told her about TJ, so she
knew why I was in such a hurry to leave. Before I got out of the car, she
kissed me on the cheek.

"Good Luck, Dear." She said to me. I left the car and stood outside the
school doors hoping that TJ would show. I waited 35 minutes. The bell
starting school rang ten minutes ago. I was getting ready to go in when I
saw him walking down the street with his head down. He didn't appear to
be looking well. I walked towards him. He looked up and saw me, then
stopped.

"Randy. About yesterday, I'm sorry." He apologized to me!

"TJ. What in the hell are you talking about. I'm the one who needs to
apologize to you. Deanna's a bitch. She shouldn't have said what she
said." Our eyes met as I spoke. Again, there was that connection.

"You're not mad at me?" He asked surprisingly.

"Why would I be mad at you?" I questioned. He dropped his head and
looked at the ground.

"People are always mad at me." He sounded so sad. I wanted to grab him,
pull him into my arms and never let him go. I grabbed his hand and
started leading him away from the school.

"Where are we going?" He seemed surprised by my sudden movement.
However, he didn't pull his hand away.

"There's a McDonald's down the street. I want some breakfast." I
continued holding his hand as we walked. Realizing it might look a little
too gay, we soon released our hands.

When we got there, he walked over and took a seat at a booth.

"Don't you want something to eat?" I asked.

"I don't have any money on me." He said.

"Wait here." I returned with four breakfast sandwiches, four hash
browns and two coffees. I pushed two sandwiches, two hash browns and a
coffee over to him. He thanked me and began wolfing down the food. I sat
and watched as he hurriedly ate. I had a feeling it might have been his
first meal in quite a while. I handed him another sandwich and hash
brown. He didn't object. He ate them quickly as well.

After he was finished, he looked at me and seemed embarrassed. I guess he
realized that I knew he probably hadn't eaten recently. He smiled
timidly at me while I drank my coffee.

"Do you like me?" I don't know where that came from; it just came
flowing out of my mouth. It was the only thing I had thought of all night
and I had to know the answer.

"What?" He looked astonished.

"Do you like me? I've thought about nothing else but you since we met
yesterday. I'm probably going to ruin this, but I'm gay. I really like
you." This was the moment of truth. He'd either stay and tell me what I
wanted to hear, or he'd call me a fag and go storming out of the
restaurant like Deanna did yesterday. He didn't get up and leave. He
just sat there staring at me wide-eyed. I couldn't read his reaction.

"Why?" He asked, breaking the silence.

"Why?" I didn't know what he meant by that.

"Why do you like me? There's nothing about me to like." He hung his
head and looked away.

"You've got to be kidding, right?" I couldn't believe the lack of
self confidence he possessed. "You're one of the nicest people I've
ever met. I know we just met, but I can tell you're a really special
person. Plus, you're cute as hell." He looked up at me and smiled.

"I love it when you smile." He began to blush.

"You didn't answer my question." I looked at him and stared into his
blue eyes.

"Yes."

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

I can't believe I told Randy I liked him. He swept me away when he said
I was special- and cute. What else could I say? I did like him. I just
can't get over the fact he liked me too.

The day was not going as I had earlier expected. When I got home last
night I really became depressed, more than I can remember in a long time.
I guess the weed I'd smoked with Carter and the gin all caught up with
me.

I woke up this morning unsure of going to school. The only reason I
decided to go was because Butch was home, and I knew he'd be on my case
all day. He still thought I had marijuana hidden in my room.

I was taken by surprise when Randy was outside the school waiting for me.
I figured after yesterday he'd want nothing to do with me. Instead, he
grabbed me and led me off to McDonald's. He even held my hand for
awhile.

I was so grateful that he bought me something to eat. I was starving.
I'd heard stoners talk about getting the munchies, but I always thought
they were joking. Hunger pains hit me late last night and, as usual,
there was nothing in the house to eat. I did manage to eat some stale
crackers I found in the cupboard. I don't know how long they'd been
there.

Our conversation got really weird. Out of nowhere Randy asked me if I
liked him. Then he told me he was gay and liked me. I couldn't believe
it. Randy's gay! And he likes me! I just stared at him. Why would a guy
like Randy, who could have anyone he wanted, want me? I even asked him.
That's when he told me he thought I was special- and cute. Wow!

So what else could I say but yes. My emotions were beginning to overwhelm
me, so I excused myself to go to the restroom. I could feel Randy's eyes
on me as I walked away.

I was in there for a few minutes when Randy walked in. I had just
finished washing my hands and was going to walk out, but he was leaning
against the door.

"Come here." He held out his arms. I walked over and fell into his
arms. He held me in a tight embrace. I could smell the cologne he'd put
on that morning. I snuggled my head into his shoulder and I could feel
his warmth on my body. I don't think I'd ever felt as secure in my life
as I was at that moment wrapped up in his embrace.

I could feel his arms leave my side and then I felt his hands on my face
lifting it up so that I was looking directly into his beautiful green
eyes. We stood staring until he leaned in and our lips met. I felt my
legs go weak and would have fallen had he not been holding me up.

His kiss was gentle. It wasn't forceful or filled with uncontrolled
passion. It was a kiss that I had always hoped my first would be. Loving
and tender. It was perfect. After about 30 seconds, he pulled away and
looked into my eyes.

"Wow!" He broke into a wide smile.

"Yeah. Wow!" I returned the smile.

"That was-" He paused for a moment, searching for just he right word.
"Perfect." It was as if he'd read my mind.

"Perfect." I repeated.

"We'd better get back to school. We've already missed half of Mrs.
Jones class." He leaned in and kissed me again. We then left the
restaurant and headed back to school.

We signed in tardy. The secretary gave us a strange look. She told Randy
this was the first time he'd ever been late. Then she looked at me. I
could tell she thought I was the cause for his rebellious behavior.

We were walking to Randy's locker when all of a sudden he let out a loud
shout.

"That mother fucking Deanna!" I followed his eyes to his locker.
Someone had taken pink paint and sprayed `FAGGOTS' on it. "I know it
was her. I'm going to kick her ass when I see her." His face was red
with anger.

He got his book out of his locker and slammed it shut. He looked at the
pink writing and slammed his fist into the locker, denting it. Not quite
sure what to do, I grabbed his arm and led him off to class.

When we entered Mrs. Jones room with only about ten minutes left, she
looked disappointedly at us. We approached her desk and handed her our
tardy permits. The class was quiet as the students were silently reading.

"You missed today's assignment. We've already read the biographies."
She informed us. She didn't look very happy at the moment.

"Did you write your biography?" She asked.

"No, Ma'am." Randy responded with his head down.

"Yes, Ma'am." I said. Randy's head turned and looked at me
questioningly. "I wrote it last night." In between my drinks last night
and the tears that had run down my face, I'd taken out a piece of paper
and wrote what I thought Randy was like. I didn't need to ask him
questions to know the kind of guy he was.

"Would you like to read it to the class?" She looked at me.

"Do I have to?" I asked her, hoping she'd say no.

"Yes, if you want a grade." She replied. "Class. Would you give Mr.
Somerset your attention for a minute?" Everyone looked up from their
reading and stared at me.

"I apologize for not being here on time, but Mrs. Jones has asked me to
read my biography of Randy." I was extremely nervous. I could see thirty
pair of eyes staring at me. One girl in front gave me an encouraging
smile.

"Mr. Randolph Jeremiah Lawrence." The class began to laugh as Randy
turned a scarlet red. "Everyone's friend. Outstanding student and
wonderful son. Randy's the guy that walks into a room and everyone
begins to smile. That's the kind of guy he is. He puts everyone else's
feeling above his own. He is a rare breed that gives his word and keeps
it. He cares about the poor and disadvantaged. He works to make the world
a better place. And the world is a better place because he's in it.
He's never bitter or hateful. He's filled with love and compassion.
He's humble and unselfish. He's the kind of guy I'm proud to call
friend."

When I was done I looked up and everyone was still staring. Randy was off
to my side still red-faced. I handed the paper to Mrs. Jones and walked
to the back of the room and took my seat. Randy followed and sat beside
me. I heard someone off to my left say, "fags."

Several minutes later the bell rang and we got up and left the room.
Randy pulled me aside and looked at me.

"Is that how you see me?" He asked.

"Yeah." I hung my head. "I wrote it last night when I was thinking
about you."

"Thanks. That was nice." I looked up and he was smiling at me. "It'll
probably get us an `F,' but it was nice." We both began to laugh.

"Will you come home with me tonight?" He suddenly asked. "I want you
to meet my parents."

I was really surprised by this question. I knew I wasn't ready to go
home with him yet. What would they think when they saw me come into their
home with Randy. They'd probably think of me as the stray puppy he found
and wanted to keep.

"I don't think so." I said sadly. "I'm not exactly the kind of guy
you take home to mother."

"You're exactly the kind of guy I take home to mother." He began to
laugh. "Relax, she'll love you. Just like I do." My head shot up and I
saw him grinning at me.

"I won't take no for an answer. Meet me at my locker after school. You
can't miss it. It has `faggots' written on it in pink." He started to
chuckle. I was happy he could laugh about it now. I sure didn't want to
be Deanna, though, the next time she ran across him.

After sixth period was over, Randy reminded me to meet him at his locker
after I went to mine and put away my books. I headed for the back exit,
hoping I could avoid him, but then I felt guilty. Randy had really been
nice to me, not to mention the kiss in the restroom.

I had thought about that kiss all day. It was like I was walking around
in a daze. I kept touching my lips, the lips he'd kissed just hours
earlier. I felt like a giddy schoolgirl. I guess, in a way I was. An
adorable boy had kissed me and now I was walking on cloud nine.

Just as I was turning around, I caught someone out of the corner of my
eye, leaning against the lockers. I looked over and Carter was standing
with a grin on his face. He patted his pants pocket.

"Hey. I've got some wacky tobaccy. Want to join me at the park?" I
never noticed it before, but he has a very infectious smile. He was also
cute. I didn't think so the other day because my mind was preoccupied
with other things, but looking at him now, I found him attractive.

"No, sorry. Got things to do." I said apologetically.

"You and Randy hooking up?" He sounded disappointed.

"Something like that." I told him. I felt sorry for him. He really
seemed like he wanted to be with me. I guess we had bonded yesterday at
the park. Maybe I was about the only person in the school who would talk
to him.

"Ok. Have a good time. I usually go to the park for awhile after school
before heading home. You can always find me there." He was looking
hopefully at me.

"You got it. I'll meet you there sometime." He smiled and walked away.

I turned and headed to Randy's locker. He was leaning against it waiting
for me. Dean was also standing beside him with a huge grin plastered on
his face. The pink writing was no longer on the locker. I guess the
custodian had cleaned it off.

"Hey." Randy said with a dreamy look in his eyes.

"Hey, yourself." I giggled, staring back. I hadn't even acknowledged
Dean.

"God. You two need to get a room." Dean mumbled. Randy hit him in the
side. "Hey, that hurt."

"Let me tell you something about my boy here." Dean looked at me and
spoke. "I've known him practically all my life. I've been with him
through all his ups and downs. I've never seen him as happy as he is
right now. Treat him right, dude. He's a great guy."

I looked at Randy and he seemed embarrassed. He grabbed Dean around the
neck and ruffled his hair. "I love you, Man." He told him.

"I know you do." Dean said, fixing his hair. "What's not to love?"
He laughed and walked off.

"Don't you guys do anything I wouldn't do." He turned around and
smiled.

"Guess that we can do about any damn thing we want to then." Randy
laughed. Dean gave him the finger and walked off.

"You ready?" He asked.

"I guess." I said hesitantly. This was going to be an experience. I was
off to meet the parents of my boyfriend. Did I just say that?

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

Email Ron at ronyx@woh.rr.com or enter my Yahoo group at
www.groups.yahoo.com/group/ronyxstories where chapters are posted before
anywhere else.   Thanks to everyone who has written me. I love hearing
from readers and getting your thoughts on the story.