Date: Sun, 18 Dec 2005 14:34:04 -0800 (PST)
From: Kirk Landers <ilj4ever44@yahoo.com>
Subject: Dating and the Single Life- part 25

Copyright and Disclaimer:
1. This is a fictional story with fictional
characters.
2. No one is to steal this story under any
circumstances.
3. This story deals with relationships and not sex, so
if you're looking for a story with a lot of sex in it,
this isn't the story for you.

   Thanks again to everyone for reading and I hope you
continue to enjoy.  Hope everyone has a Happy Holiday
season!  All my best!

Part 25

"Holiday Wishes"

Randal, Stanley and Faith were at the mall doing some
Holiday shopping.  They were now in Saks Fifth Avenue
looking at women's clothes.

"Don't you love shopping for the holidays?" Faith
asked looking at scarves. "I can't believe tomorrow is
Christmas eve already."

"Yea, it's great," Randal sighed. "Are you doing
shopping for other people or is this all for you?"

"What are you talking about?" Faith asked. "I'm
shopping for mom."

"You're buying her stuff from Saks?" Randal asked.

"Yea, I always do," Faith replied. "I feel bad that
she won't get this until after Christmas, I'm so
behind this year."

"Okay," Randal said feeling cheap since he can't
really afford to buy his mom nice stuff like that.

"What did you get mom?" Faith asked.

"A frame," Randal replied sheepishly.

"I'm sure she'll love it," Faith said patting Randal
on the back.

"Yea," Randal replied.

"How's your holiday shopping going Stanley?" Faith
asked.

"It's pretty much done," Stanley replied. "I only have
to get one more gift."

"Wow, you got most of it done already?" Faith asked.
"I'm impressed."

Faith then went and looked a suede jacket that she
thought her mom might like.

"I like her," Stanley whispered to Randal.

"You've only known her a couple weeks," Randal
replied.

"And she's been great," Stanley said. "She hasn't been
mean or judgmental or any of the things you said she
was like."

"Just give it some time," Randal said. "She has some
motive for being here and I'm going to find out what
it is."

"Randal, would you just give it a rest?" Stanley
asked. "She may just want to be here to be with her
brother."

"I doubt it," Randal replied.

"What do you guys think of this?" Faith asked holding
up the suede jacket. "Do you think mom will like it."

Randal went over and looked at the price tag.

"Yea, I'm sure she'll love a $900 dollar jacket just
as much as she'll love my $40 dollar frame," Randal
said then walked away. "I'll be doing some shopping."

"Why does he always do that?" Faith sighed. "He's
always acted like him and I are in some kind of
competition together."

"He just wishes he could get expensive gifts like you
can," Stanley reasoned.

"He'll never learn," Faith sighed, having been through
this with Randal way too many times.

Over at Marcus's place him and Trevor were in his
living room wrapping presents up.

"I can't believe that it's Christmas already," Trevor
commented.

"I know, it goes by so fast," Marcus said. "But what
I'm most excited about is that I have a boyfriend for
the holidays."

"I know, it's great isn't it?" Trevor replied. "I
always hated being single this time of the year."

"Me too," Marcus said as he finished wrapping his
gifts.

"So are you sure it's okay that my friends spend
Christmas with you and your friends?" Trevor asked.

"Yea, it'll be fine," Marcus replied.

"Okay, it's just that Miles might be there and I don't
want to bring about an uncomfortable situation,"
Trevor said.

"Tyler and Jake have been doing really well lately,"
Marcus noted. "So I'm sure it will be fine."

"You sure?" Trevor asked.

"Positive," Marcus answered.

"Okay," Trevor said. "Thank you."

"No problem," Marcus said giving Trevor a kiss.

"I forgot to ask," Trevor remembered, "How did the
trial go today?"

"It was fine," Marcus said not wanting to admit that
he lost another case.

"Anything exciting happen?" Trevor asked.

"Nope, just  a standard trial," Marcus answered.
"Nothing special."

However, this trial was just the final straw for
Marcus's future at the company he worked for.  He was
now part of the unemployed world, a world that he
didn't want to tell anyone he was in.  Marcus quickly
changed the subject.

"I hope that David joins us for Christmas," Marcus
said.

"Have you talked to him lately?" Trevor asked.

"No, haven't heard from him at all," Marcus replied.

"How's Kyle doing?" Trevor asked.

"He's hanging in there," Marcus replied. "He's doing
the best he can.  He still feels pretty guilty over
what happened."

"Are they still a couple?" Trevor asked.

"I really don't know," Marcus replied. "I don't even
think they know."

"We just have to count our blessings and be lucky
we're all right," Trevor said.

"Yea, I agree," Marcus said.

"Let's promise each other that we won't keep stuff
from each other," Trevor said.

"Promise," Marcus agreed feeling guilty because he
still couldn't bring himself to tell Trevor about
losing his job.

Over at Kyle's apartment he was putting up a little
Christmas tree that he bought and was decorating it
with ornaments.  The guys decided to have Christmas
dinner at Kyle's place this year so Kyle got all of
the groups' ornaments to hang up.  He had all of their
ornaments up when he picked up one last one and read
'2003' and underneath it had the name 'Brett.'  Kyle
took a moment to remember when he gave that ornament
to Brett.

****FLASHBACK****

"Here Brett." Kyle said handing Brett a gift.

"Thank you Kyle." Brett said gratefully, he opened it
up and took out a Christmas ornament with the year
2003 on it.

"We all have certain Christmas ornaments on the tree."
Kyle said pointing to the Christmas tree, "And since
this is your first one with us, I think you deserve
one too.  You're a part of us now."

"Thank you." Brett said truly touched.

****END FLASHBACK****

Then Kyle just thought about the bad stuff that Brett
had put him and Kyle through.  Kyle got up and went to
the kitchen and dropped the ornament in the trash.

"Oops," Kyle said sarcastically to himself with a
smile and then went back to finish decorating the
tree.  As he was finishing up he couldn't help but
wish that David was with him decorating.  Both of them
love the holidays and Kyle really wants to spend it
with David this year.  He went and picked up his cell
phone and called David.  Not surprised, he got David's
answering machine.

"Hey David, it's me," Kyle sighed. "I don't know what
to do.  I'm so sorry David.  I shouldn't have pushed
you away and decided to move out with talking with you
first.  If I could take it all back I would and I
can't tell you how badly I feel that I hurt you.  I
just hope you can forgive me and I hope we can
hopefully be together for Christmas.  I miss you and I
really want you with me.  I love you and again, I'm so
sorry."

Meanwhile, over at David's apartment, David just
finished listening to Kyle's voicemail, he was still
adjusting to the emptiness in it since Kyle moved out.
 He was sitting on the couch looking around at how
empty it all looks, he still had all his furniture and
all his photos up, but just the fact that Kyle was
gone gave it an empty feeling.  He really wants to be
with Kyle, but at the same time he's still hurt from
everything that had happened.  He knew Kyle had good
intentions, but he just wasn't ready yet to see him.
Before he could think anymore of Kyle his phone rang,
he let the machine get it as he's been doing since he
came back to the apartment.

"David, it's me," Jake's voice said on the answering
machine. "Look, I know you're there just pick up.
David, come on, you haven't talked to any of us in
weeks, don't do this.  I know you're in there, I'm
right outside your door now so just open up."

David's eyes widen as he heard Jake say he was right
outside.  David got up and opened the front door and
sure enough Jake was there on his cell phone.

"Nice to see you again," Jake said coming into the
apartment.

"What are you doing?" David asked closing the door.

"I came to see you," Jake replied. "It's not unusual
for friends to see each other.  Especially since they
haven't seen one in another in weeks."

"I know, I'm sorry," David said. "I just wasn't ready
to talk about Kyle or anything yet."

"We don't have to talk about him," Jake said. "We can
talk about other stuff."

"Okay," David said walking into the kitchen and
getting a couple beers from the refrigerator. "So how
have you been?"

"I've been doing really great," Jake said taking a
beer from David. "Tyler and I have been doing really
well."

"Good," David said. "I'm glad to hear it."

"How have you been doing?" Jake asked.

"I thought we weren't going to talk about it," David
replied.

"I didn't say we had to," Jake said. "I was just
wondering how you were doing."

"I'm all right," David replied.

"See, that's all," Jake said taking a sip of his beer.
 Him and David got quiet for a minute. "Okay, I lied,
we do need to talk about you and Kyle."

"Jake," David sighed.

"No, David, listen to me," Jake said. "You don't want
to let time divide you two even further.  Take it from
me, Tyler and I had this huge wall between us over
stuff that we didn't say to one another.  If you still
want Kyle then go talk to him and try and work this
stuff out."

"Jake, really I just-" David began, but Jake cut him
off.

"No," Jake interrupted. "Kyle wants to talk this out
with you and he wants to apologize to you for what
happened, but he can't do that unless you see him.
You spent so much time and energy getting Kyle, are
you really prepared to just throw it all away?"

David didn't say anything, all he could do was think
over all he and Kyle had been through.

"I know you like to run from your problems," Jake
continued. "But don't run from Kyle, you two belong
together and he is really sorry for everything that
happened."

"Is he really?" David asked. "He's not mad at me?"

"No, he's not mad at you at all," Jake replied, then
he realized, "Are you avoiding Kyle because you're
upset with him still or because you think he's mad at
you?"

"Honestly," David began, "I thought he was mad at me."

"Why would you think that?" Jake asked. "He went to
you the other week to apologize to you."

"I know, but I thought that since I didn't go back
with him that he might have gotten mad at me in
return," David replied.

"David, really you need to talk to Kyle," Jake sighed.
"You two have way too many communication problems.
The only way to grow as a couple is to communicate
with one another and listen to each other."

"You've been going to therapy way too long," David
joked.

"Well I've been learning a lot," Jake said. "Maybe you
and Kyle should think about couple's counseling."

"No, I'd rather us try and work it out by ourselves,"
David replied.

"Well, you're not making a very good start if you are
avoiding him," Jake pointed out.

"I know," David said. "I'll figure something out."

"What do you mean?" Jake asked.

"It's Christmas," David replied. "I'm going to figure
out a surprise for him."

"I think just showing up and forgiving him will be a
good enough surprise," Jake replied.

"Maybe that's a good enough surprise any other time of
the year, but not on Christmas," David said. "It's
Kyle's favorite holiday."

"You're a true romantic," Jake laughed.

"Always," David answered with a smile.

Meanwhile at the restaurant Tyler was going over some
shipment papers when Kim came up to him.

"Hey Tyler," Kim said putting some glasses away.

"Hi Kim, how are you?" Tyler asked friendly.

"I'm good," Kim replied. "How have you been?"

"Great," Tyler replied with a smile.

"I can tell," Kim said. "You've been in a really good
mood lately."

"What do you mean?" Tyler asked.

"Don't take this the wrong way, but for a while you
were really cold," Kim replied. "You weren't the happy
and friendly Tyler we all know and love."

"I'd been going through a lot of stuff then and I
apologize for taking it out on you guys," Tyler
replied. "But that's all behind me now."

"What happened?  If you don't mind me asking," Kim
said.

"All right well you know Jake right?" Tyler asked.

"Yea," Kim replied.

"Well, him and I have been a couple for over a year
now and had a real rough patch for a while," Tyler
began, but then Kim cut him off.

"Wait, you and Jake are a couple?" Kim asked
surprised.

"Yea, why?" Tyler asked.

Kim didn't say anything, she just thought about the
bad stuff she had said about Tyler to Jake never
having the slightest idea that they were in a
relationship.

"Oh my God," Kim sighed embarrassed.

"What?" Tyler asked.

"Oh, nothing," Kim lied changing the subject. "I'm
just really glad that you two worked everything out."

Kim then walked away quickly.  Tyler just shrugged it
off and went back to work.  He then went through his
pocket and pulled out a little ring box and smiled to
himself.

Back at the mall Randal was looking at the movie store
shopping for Tyler, he was in the classics section
since Tyler loves old films.  He was looking at
getting Gun Crazy when Faith and Stanley came into the
store looking for him.

"There you are," Stanley said coming up to Randal.
"We've been looking all over for you."

"Well I just thought I should do some shopping that I
could afford," Randal grumbled.

"Randal, will you cut it off?" Faith asked.

"What?" Randal asked.

"This whole money thing," Faith replied. "It's never
been a big deal to me who makes more money then who,
so why should you care either?"

"Obviously you don't care when you're the one who's
making more and who has the love and admiration of our
parents," Randal replied.

"They love you too," Faith said. "Why are you always
in competition with me?"

"Don't act all innocent," Randal replied. "You started
this whole competition between us."

"Yea, maybe when we were kids, but I've grown up,"
Faith lectured. "You should too.  I came here to spend
the holidays with my brother and to find some comfort
from you."

"Comfort from what?" Randal asked.

"Colby and I separated," Faith replied.

"What?" Randal asked shocked.

"Colby and I split up, I'm pregnant and I just wanted
my brother to help me through all this, but I
obviously don't have a brother who will do that,"
Faith replied in tears and then walked out of the
store.

Randal stood there in shock not sure what to do.
Stanley then sighed looking at Randal with
disappointment and then ran after Faith.

Elsewhere in the mall Kyle arrived with Trevor and
Marcus to do some last minute shopping.

"I thought you two got all of your shopping done
already," Kyle said as they walked pass the masses of
people dashing from store to store.

"Most of it," Trevor replied. "I just need to get a
couple more things for my friends."

"And I need one more gift," Marcus added.

"Okay, well I just have to pick up one more thing for
David and a couple things for Tyler and Jake," Kyle
said.

"What did you get David?" Marcus asked.

"Okay, don't laugh because it sounds stupid," Kyle
warned.

"What is it?" Marcus asked as the three of them went
into a frame store.

"I have been working on a painting for him secretly
for a while.  I finished it, but then put it away when
things were getting weird between him and me, but
after everything that has happened I decided I want to
give it to him so I went and finally got it framed,"
Kyle replied.

"You paint?" Trevor asked.

"A little, I used to paint a lot when I was in high
school," Kyle replied.

"I didn't know that," Marcus said.

"Just a little hobby I do from time to time," Kyle
said. "I'm not that good at it, but this one painting
I'd been working on for David for a while and
hopefully he'll like it."

Kyle went up to the employee behind the counter.

"I have a picture to pick up, the name is Kyle
Garrett," Kyle said.

The worker went in the back and a few minutes later
brought out the picture wrapped up in brown paper, she
opened it up for Kyle to see to make sure it looked
alright.  Trevor and Marcus looked at the painting in
awe.

"Oh my God," Trevor commented. "It's beautiful."

"Kyle, I can't believe you never told us you could
paint like this," Marcus noted admiring the painting.

"It's not that great," Kyle said humbly.

"No, it really is," Trevor said. "It's great, the
technique is incredible."

"You can really tell you were in love when you were
painting this," Marcus noted.

"I just hope that David will be around for me to give
it to him," Kyle sighed.

"Don't worry, I'm sure everything will turn out fine,"
Marcus said patting Kyle on the back.

Over across the mall Stanley caught up with Faith who
was sitting at the food court.

"Are you okay?" Stanley asked.

"I'm fine," Faith replied wiping tears out of her
eyes.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Stanley asked.

"You're sweet Stanley," Faith said. "Randy's lucky to
have you."

"I know," Stanley joked.

"I don't get how my own brother could hate me so
much," Faith sighed.

"He doesn't hate you," Stanley said.

"Well, either way he obviously doesn't want me
around," Faith said. "Maybe I should just leave."

"No, you can't," Stanley said. "If you leave then you
and him will never resolve anything."

"I don't know," Faith said. "It's been like this for
as long as I could remember, I don't think he'll ever
change."

"No better time for a miracle then Christmas," Stanley
noted.

As they sat there Kyle, Marcus and Trevor walked by
and spotted them.

"Hey," Kyle said coming up to their table.

"Hey guys," Stanley said.

"Faith?" Kyle asked hardly recognizing her.

"Hey Kyle," Faith said getting up to give him a hug.
Kyle looked down and saw her pregnant stomach.

"Oh my God, you're pregnant!" Kyle exclaimed smiling.

"Yea," Faith replied giving him a hug.

"Good to see you again Faith," Marcus said hugging
her, "It's been too long."

"Way too long," Kyle added.

"This is my boyfriend Trevor," Marcus said introducing
Faith and Trevor.

"Nice to meet you and congratulations on the baby,"
Trevor said as the two shook hands.

"Wow, Marcus you have quite a hottie here," Faith
teased.

"I know," Marcus replied.

"Come on, sit down you guys," Faith said. "Let's catch
up."

"So how's Colby?" Marcus asked.

"Oh," Faith replied frowning, "Well, him and I split
up."

"Oh my God," Kyle said. "I'm so sorry."

"It's okay," Faith replied. "We weren't happy for a
long time, it's just hard with the baby now and all."

"Yea, well if you need anything just let us know,"
Marcus said.

"Thanks Mar," Faith replied. "Where's David at?"

"Well, we haven't seen him in a while," Kyle answered.

"Why's that?" Faith asked.

"He's avoiding me," Kyle replied. "He's mad at me."

"What happened?" Faith asked.

"Him and I got together a while ago and to make the
long story short, we got in a rut, I didn't handle it
well, David got mad at me and left," Kyle explained.

"Have you tried apologizing?" Faith asked.

"Yea, but I hurt him pretty bad," Kyle replied.

"I'm sure he'll come around," Faith said.

"There you guys are," Randal said coming up to the
table and then noticing Kyle, Marcus and Trevor. "Wow,
all of you guys are here."

"Hey Randal," Marcus said.

"Faith, can I talk to you for a second?" Randal asked.

"Sure," Faith replied getting up from the table.

The two then began walking around the mall together.

"I'm sorry I've been a jerk this whole time you've
been here," Randal began. "I guess I just never got
over the fact that you've always been better then me."

"Randy, I'm not better then you," Faith replied.

"You know what I mean," Randal said. "You've always
gotten better grades, were more popular, had more
money, it's just hard living in your shadow."

"Randy, you have so many qualities that I wish I had,"
Faith replied. "You've always been more independent
then me, you never needed anyone in your life to be
happy, you were brave and moved down here from Seattle
by yourself, you have a lot of free spirit and energy
that I wish I had."

"Yea, those traits were cool once but I'm twenty-three
now," Randal replied. "I need to start getting into a
position of leading an adult life.  That's why I'm
opening up a club."

"You're opening a club?" Faith asked.

"Yea, I decided that this is what I want to do,"
Randal replied.

"Randal, that's great," Faith said. "You'd be awesome
at that."

"So what happened with you and Colby?" Randal asked.

"We've been having some problems for a while," Faith
replied. "Then one night I walked in on him sleeping
with his secretary."

"What?" Randal asked appalled.

"Yea," Faith replied. "So I kicked him out of the
house."

"Good," Randal said.

"I just hate that it's happening right when I'm
pregnant," Faith said.

"Well, I'll be here to help you out," Randal offered.

"Really?" Faith asked genuinely touched.

"Faith, do you think we can just kind of start this
whole visit of yours over?" Randal asked. "I realize
I've been a jerk and I don't want to be a bad brother
anymore."

"I'd like that," Faith replied as they hugged.

That night Marcus, Trevor, Randal, Stanley, Tyler and
Faith met up at Kyle's place to set up for their
annual Christmas eve dinner then next day.  Marcus had
given Kyle his present early, a nice dinner table, he
knew that Kyle would be needing it for the dinner.

"Thanks again for the table set," Kyle said giving
Marcus a hug. "It's perfect."

"Of course," Marcus replied.

"Nice to have a successful friend to spoil us every
once in a while," Tyler quipped.

Marcus gave a little smile, not wanting to let on that
he was out of a job.

"Where's Jake?" Randal asked as him and Stanley were
putting of some Christmas lights around Kyle's window.

"He should be here soon," Tyler replied.

"What's he been doing today?" Kyle asked. "We haven't
heard from him at all."

"I don't know, he just said he had some stuff to do,"
Tyler answered.

"Oh Tyler, I wanted to ask you something," Trevor said
putting down some of the plates he brought out of the
cupboard.

"What's up?" Tyler asked.

"Tomorrow my friends might come here," Trevor replied.

"Okay," Tyler said not really seeing the importance of
why Trevor was telling him specifically.

"Miles might be here," Trevor said making it more
clear for Tyler. "I just wanted to see if it was all
right with you.  If not, then I won't have them come."

"Don't worry about it," Tyler said. "It'll be fine."

"Are you sure?" Trevor asked.

"I'm positive," Tyler replied. "Besides, I have
something I want you all to be apart of tomorrow and
it'll probably be even better if Miles is here."

"What's that?" Stanley asked confused.

"You'll see," Tyler answered cryptically.

As Tyler finished talking the door opened and Jake
walked in.

"Hey guys, sorry I'm late," Jake said taking off his
jacket.  He then spotted Faith. "Oh my God, hey
Faith!"

"Hey Jake," Faith said giving him a hug. "How are
you?"

"I'm great," Jake replied. "How are you?"

"Pregnant," Faith said pointing to her stomach.

"Yea, I see that," Jake said. "What are you doing
here?"

"She's going to spend some time out here with us,"
Randal said.

"Awesome," Jake said happily.  Jake then went over to
Tyler.

"Hi," Tyler said happily.

"Hey," Jake replied giving Tyler a kiss. "How are
you?"

"I'm good," Tyler answered. "How was your day?"

"It was good," Jake replied. "I missed you today."

"I missed you too," Tyler said giving Jake another
kiss.

"Okay, we're glad you two worked things out, but we
still have work to do," Marcus said taking charge. "We
have a lot of stuff to get done still."

After they all finished decorating and setting up for
the dinner they were sitting down and talking when
they suddenly heard some music playing very loudly.
They all looked at each other curiously as they
listened to the music, it was the song "All I Want For
Christmas Is You."

"Where's that coming from?" Randal asked.

"I don't know, but if it's one of then neighbors
they're probably going to get kicked out soon if they
play their music this loud," Tyler commented.

"It's coming from outside," Kyle said as they all
headed to the window and looked outside. When they
looked out they saw something they didn't expect to
see...

"Is that David?" Trevor asked.

"Oh my God," Jake laughed. "Has he seen Say Anything
one too many times?"

"He did it cause he knows it's one of my favorite
movies," Kyle said smiling.

Kyle was entranced as he saw David looking up at
Kyle's apartment holding a stereo over his head
playing the song.  David and Kyle both smiled at each
other.

"I'll be back," Kyle said as he quickly grabbed his
jacket and ran out of the apartment.

The guys and Faith watched from the window as Kyle
quickly ran out to where David was standing, David set
the stereo down and the two kissed like they've never
kissed before, full of passion, love and forgiveness.

"I'm so sorry," Kyle said breaking the kiss, "This
whole situation was my fault and I'm sorry I hurt
you."

"It's okay," David said with a smile.

"This has to be the best Christmas gift I could ever
receive," Kyle sighed as he rested his head on David's
shoulder, "Thank you so much and again, I'm so sorry.
I just freaked out when things weren't perfect between
us like they used to be."

"You don't have to apologize anymore," David said
giving Kyle a kiss. "I forgive you."

The two held each other tightly, neither one wanting
to let go.  The guys and Faith watched from above
smiling at the sight of the two reconciling.

"Come on guys, let's watch a movie," Tyler yelled down
to them.

"We'll be right up," David said as him and Kyle walked
hand in hand into the apartment complex.

The next day Randal, Stanley, Marcus, Tyler, Jake,
Kyle and David gathered in the morning at the diner.
All of them were dressed and ready for one last day at
work before Christmas.

"Where's Faith?" Marcus asked.  He himself was dressed
in his work clothes, despite not working there
anymore.

"She wasn't feeling good this morning," Randal
replied. "She said though that she just entered her
second trimester so the morning sickness should
disappear soon."

"I still can't believe she's pregnant," Jake
commented. "Especially since Colby and her split up."

"He was such a nice guy when we met him," David said
having gotten caught up on Faith's situation the night
before.

"Yea, he was especially a nice guy to his secretary,"
Randal deadpanned.

"I can't believe he did that," Tyler sighed. "So has
she thought about what she's going to do when the baby
arrives?"

"No, Stan and I talked and decided that she should
stay with us until the baby is born and then we'll see
where it goes from there," Randal said.

"That'd be great of you guys," Kyle said. "I'm
especially glad to see that you and her made peace."

"I am too," Randal said. "You were right Kyle, I was
mad at her for a stupid reason."

"Yes you were," Kyle quipped. "But we all do our share
of stupid things."

"Yep," all of the guys replied in unison, knowing full
well that they've all done their share of stupid
things.

Meanwhile, over at Trevor's place, Trevor, Luis, Zack
and Miles were eating some cereal and talking about
dinner at Kyle's that night.

"Tyler actually said it was okay for me to be there?"
Miles asked.

"Yea," Trevor replied. "But you have to promise me
that you'll be on your best behavior.  I know you're
not going to give up on trying to get Jake, even
though I think you're wasting your time, but you have
to restrain yourself for tonight at least."

"Trevor," Miles sighed.

"Listen, if you can't do that, then you can't come
tonight," Trevor said. "I don't want you ruining their
night."

"Fine," Miles said taking a bite of his cereal.

"Miles, won't you please just give up on Jake," Luis
pleaded.

"Yea, I have a couple great guys that I can set you up
with," Zack suggested.

"Not this again," Miles groaned.

"Miles, Jake and Tyler are really happy together.
They've spent a lot of time and energy working things
out between them and now that they've worked it all
out I really don't want to see you cause them to fall
apart again," Trevor tried reasoning.

"For the last time guys," Miles said. "I'm not going
to give up on Jake until I know for sure that there's
no chance for us.  Now, can we please talk about
someone else's personal life for once?"

"Fine," Luis said giving up. "So Zack, how are things
in your love life?"

"Non-existent," Zack replied. "I hate being single."

"Yea, me too," Luis replied. "Trevor, why couldn't you
date someone who had single friends?"

"Sorry guys," Trevor said smiling, "But I'm sure you
guys will meet some nice guys soon."

"I don't know," Luis said. "It's getting to be pretty
slim pickings out there."

"I was actually thinking of trying the online dating
thing," Zack said.

"Really?" Luis asked.

"Yea, thought I might give it a try and see how that
goes," Zack replied. "Want to do it with me?"

Luis thought it over, "Well, it's not like I have
anything holding me back from it.  Sure, sounds good."

"I can't believe you two are actually going to try
online dating," Trevor commented.

"Why?" Zack asked.

"It seems a little desperate," Trevor replied
honestly.

"Well, at this point, we are a little desperate," Luis
replied.

"You two have a lot going for yourselves," Miles said.
"You don't need to do the online dating thing, you can
go out in the real world and meet plenty of great
guys."

"We've been doing that for the past three years of our
lives and have nothing to show for it," Zack said.
"Luis and I are almost 25 years old now, our twenties
are half-way over."

"Besides, it'll be kinda interesting to see who we
might meet," Luis suggested.

Miles and Trevor both smiled, knowing that the odds of
them meeting some interesting people are very good.

Back at the diner the guys had finished eating
breakfast and were heading out to go to work.

"All right, well let's just get through this day and
I'll see everyone tonight," Marcus said.

The guys all headed in their different directions,
Randal went off back to the apartment to check on
Faith, David and Kyle headed off to their jobs, Tyler
and Jake headed to the restaurant, and Stanley and
Marcus headed to...Stanley's job.

"So you still haven't been able to tell the guys you
don't work at the law firm anymore?" Stanley asked as
the two walked together.

"I don't know how to tell them I got fired, it's so
embarrassing," Marcus said.

"They're your friends," Stanley pointed out. "They
won't judge you."

"It's just that, I've always kind of been the one they
knew they could turn to," Marcus explained. "I'm the
oldest, so in a way I feel like I'm the one who needs
to set the example and help them out and be there for
them."

"Just because you're the 'big brother' to all of us
doesn't mean that you can't have a time when you need
the support and guidance," Stanley replied.

"I know," Marcus replied. "It's just that when I had
that whole situation with Thomas, I got to a real
vulnerable place and the guys really had to be there
for me.  I don't want them to have to do that again."

"They'll gladly do it because they're you're friends,"
Stanley said. "You don't have to tell them right away,
but you do need to tell them."

Marcus sighed, "I know."

"So what are you going to do today?" Stanley asked.

"I think I'm just going to head home, watch TV, try
and do things the un-employed do," Marcus replied.

"Don't worry, you'll find something," Stanley
encouraged.

"Thanks, I'll talk to you later," Marcus said as he
dropped off Stanley at work.

Over on the other end David and Kyle were walking
together.

"So how long are you working until?" David asked.

"Two," Kyle replied.

"All right, want to come by my work and then we can
leave together and head to your place?" David asked.

"Yea, sounds good," Kyle answered. "David, can I ask
you something?"

"Of course," David replied.

"Are you okay with me living on my own?" Kyle asked.
"I know that we had our big fight based on me not
talking to you about moving out.  But we still never
talked about the me actually moving."

"It's tough," David replied. "I look around the
apartment and I just miss you so much.  But at the
same time, I do think you were right."

"About what?" Kyle asked.

"We were taking each other for granted," David
replied. "I think this way, we'll learn to appreciate
each other more and the time we have together."

"I hope so," Kyle agreed as they stopped in front of
David's store.

"All right, I'll see you after work," David said
giving Kyle a hug.

"I love you," Kyle said.

"I love you too," David replied.

David headed into the store as Kyle headed off to
work.

Randal meanwhile, went home to hang out with Faith.

"Faith?" Randal asked knocking on the bathroom door.

"Yea," Faith replied groggily.

"You okay sweety?" Randal asked.

"Oh yea, I'm fantastic," Faith answered sarcastically.

"Do you need anything?" Randal asked.

"Yea, I need it to be nine months already so I can
push this baby out," Faith replied.

'Is it that bad?" Randal asked.

"Yes, and I don't get it," Faith replied. "I should be
done with all of this morning sickness."

"Well, maybe this is the last day," Randal said. "It's
got to end sometime right?"

"Do I look as bad as I feel?" Faith asked opening the
door.

"You look fine," Randal lied as he pushed some of
Faith's matted hair away from her washed out face.

"I'm going to go lay down," Faith said as she slowly
walked into the guest bedroom.

"All right," Randal said. "I'll bring you in some food
later."

"No food," Faith said disgusted. "Can't stand the
thought of it now."

Randal shook his head and smiled, he couldn't help but
be amused at the situation even though he felt bad for
his sister.  He decided to go in and sit with her for
a while.

"So, how have you been handling all this pregnancy
stuff?" Randal asked.

"I've had my bad days and my days that aren't so bad,"
Faith replied sitting up a little in the bed.

"How are you going to handle this?" Randal asked. "I
mean, I know we talked a little and decided that you
should stay here for the remainder of your pregnancy,
but what are you going to do then?  You have your
career and everything, how are you going to factor in
a baby?"

"Tons of other women have done this and handled it
fine," Faith said optimistically.

"Faith, this is me you're talking to," Randal said.
"You don't have to put up a cover with me, are you
scared?"

"Terrified," Faith replied nodding. "But there isn't
anything I can do about it.  I just have to face this
as best as I can."

"This isn't fair," Randal said. "You shouldn't have to
do this alone."

"I'm not," Faith said holding Randal's hand. "I have
my brother with me."

"Always," Randal smiled.

Later that night the guys all finished up their days
at work and doing their certain tasks and plans and
met up at Kyle's for dinner.  Trevor's friends had
just arrived when they all headed to the table to eat.

"Everything looks great," Zack commented.

"Glad you guys could come," Kyle said.

"How you doing Jake?" Miles asked.

"I'm fine," Jake replied leaning into Tyler for
support.

"How are you Miles?" Tyler asked.

"I'm good," Miles answered.

All of the guys shifted eyes with one another before
averting their attention to the food.

"So how are you feeling Faith?" Marcus asked trying to
change the focus of attention.

"I'm feeling a lot better," Faith replied.

"Good," Marcus said.

"So what have you been up to Jake?" Miles asked
looking fondly at him across the table.

"Just work and spending time with Tyler," Jake replied
nervously.

"You okay?" Miles asked. "You seem a little off
tonight."

"He's fine," Tyler replied putting an arm around Jake
as he glared slightly at Miles.

"So Tyler," Luis breaks in trying to lighten things
up, "Trevor tells us that you are a manager of a
restaurant."

"Yea," Tyler answered.

"That's cool," Luis replied. "Zack is a cook at a
restaurant."

"Yea, I remember him telling us that the last time we
saw you guys," Tyler said smiling at Zack friendly.
"How do you like working in the restaurant business."

"Tiring," Zack replied.

"Tell me about it," Tyler answered. "Poor Jake, I
think it ended up being a lot more work then expected
huh?"

"Yea," Jake answered.

"You're in the restaurant business now?" Miles asked
confused.

"No, I work with Tyler at the restaurant," Jake
replied.

"Oh," Miles said. "You two work together?"

"Yea, we do everything together," Jake replied.

"I see," Miles said going quiet.

The room became silent as everyone looked around not
sure what else to say, Jake reached over under the
table and grabbed onto Tyler's hand who squeezed it
reassuringly.

"So, I have some news," Marcus said breaking the
silence. "This isn't how I had wanted to tell you
guys, but seeing as how no one else is saying anything
I feel I better just say it."

"What's up?" David asked.

Marcus sighed before he began, "I no longer work at
the law firm."

"What?!" Randal, Jake, Tyler, Kyle, Trevor, Faith and
David said in unison.

"I kind of got fired," Marcus said quietly.

"What happened?" Jake said.

"It was a lot of things," Marcus replied.

"It happened today?  They fired you the day before
Christmas?" Kyle asked appalled.

"No, it actually happened a couple days ago," Marcus
admitted.

"Whoa," Tyler said shocked. "We're just finding out
about this now?"

"Did you know the whole time?" Randal asked Stanley.

"Yea, but it wasn't my place to tell you guys,"
Stanley answered.

"I didn't know how to tell you all," Marcus said.

"Come here," Trevor said giving Marcus a hug. "Are you
okay?"

"Yea, I just don't know what I'm going to do anymore,"
Marcus replied.

"You'll think of something," Trevor replied.

"I'm so sorry," Randal said. "That really sucks to
have this happen during the holidays."

"I know, but I'll be fine," Marcus replied.

"You will, you'll find something else," Tyler
encouraged.

"Sorry, I know this was kind of a weird time to bring
this all up," Marcus said.

"Actually it probably was the best time to bring it
up," Jake said.

The guys finished the rest of their dinner with out
anymore awkwardness of Miles trying to talk to Jake.
After dinner everyone got some more drinks and were
hanging out through out the apartment.  Luis and Zack
were talking with Randal and Stanley, Marcus and
Trevor were with Kyle and David, Tyler and Jake were
with Faith and Miles was off by himself thinking of a
way to approach Jake.  Finally he decided to just go
for it and went up to him, but before he could Tyler
began talking.

"Can I have everyone's attention," Tyler announced to
everyone in the apartment.

Everyone looked over at Tyler's direction.

"What's going on?" David asked wrapping his arms
around Kyle.

"I want to do something and I'd like you all to be
here to witness it," Tyler said.  He then reached into
his apartment and brought out the ring box he was
looking at in the restaurant.

"Oh my God," Kyle said quietly.

"Jake," Tyler began as he went down on one knee. "Our
relationship has been a real roller coaster ride.  I
know there have been times we both thought it wouldn't
last, but I'm glad we've been able to survive.  I know
we've had our ups and downs, but since working things
out I've never been more sure and more certain that we
belong together.  I want to spend the rest of my life
with you.  I love you, we belong together.  Will you
marry me?"

Jake just smiled, "Are you serious?"

"I've never been more serious before in my life,"
Tyler said.

"Nothing would make me happier," Jake beamed. "I love
you so much and I want to spend the rest of my life
with you.  My answer is 'yes.'"

All of the guys cheered as Tyler slipped the platinum
band on Jake's finger.  He got up off his knee and
Jake threw his arms around Tyler and kissed him
passionately.  Kyle, David, Randal, and Stanley ran up
to the two of them and gave them all huge hugs.

Miles stood there in shock not believing what just
happened, he then shook his head in sadness and walked
out of the door and left.

The night continued and they all exchanged gifts with
one another, the whole time Tyler and Jake just held
each other and smiled fondly at one another, they both
have never been happier.  David opened up his last
present which was from Kyle and was in awe at the
painting.

"You did this?" David asked.

"Yea," Kyle replied. "It was just something I'd been
working on for a little while."

"It's incredible," David said.

"That's what we told him," Trevor said as he and
Marcus rested on one another.

"I love it," David said kissing him. "You should paint
more, you're a great artist."

"I'm no artist," Kyle said shaking his head. "It's
just a little hobby."

"Either way, you should continue it," David said.

All the guys then looked over at Jake and Tyler who
were in their own little world.

"We're so happy for you guys," Randal said.

"Thanks," Tyler replied.

Over at Miles' apartment, Luis and Zack stopped by to
see how he was doing.

"You all right?" Luis asked.

"No," Miles replied. "Before they got engaged I felt I
at least had a chance."

"Miles, they are really happy together," Zack tried
reasoning. "There's nothing you could have done."

"Him and I had a connection with each other," Miles
said.

"Miles, you two barely knew each other," Luis said.
"You'll go out and you'll meet someone who's more
suitable for you."

"I want Jake," Miles said.

"But you can't have him," Luis said.

"He's engaged to Tyler now," Zack said. "You can't
change that."

"Maybe I can," Miles said.

"What?" Zack asked.

"Maybe there is some way I can break them up," Miles
replied.

"No," Luis said. "You can't do that, that's out of
line."

"All is fair when it comes to love," Miles said.

"We're begging you Miles," Luis said. "Don't do this."

"I have to," Miles replied determined. "Him and I
belong together."

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

To Be Continued...

Hope you all enjoyed, as you can see there are some
big things coming up.  With any comments, questions or
feedback please e-mail me at ilj4ever44@yahoo.com  Thanks!