Date: Thu, 14 Oct 2010 22:58:11 -0700 (PDT)
From: Cailen Vature <cailenauthor@yahoo.com>
Subject: Raven Chapter 17

PLEASE READ THESE DISCLAIMERS:
	This story is a very long work of gay erotic science fiction. There
are some scenes of man on man action but it will not be a dominating factor
in this story. So if you are looking for something to get off to you might
as well turn around now.
	The names and places in this story are entirely fictitious, any
relation to persons or events are entirely coincidental. HOWEVER: they are
based off of real places and events to make the story seem more plausible.
	If you are underage, or this is illegal where you are, then please
do the right thing... (Whatever that may be...)
	This story is copyrighted, ©2010. To me the author and it is
therefore illegal to copy or use any part of this story without my written
permission.
	Which leads me to: If you have any desire to get in contact with me
for comments, directions to a good Beta, pictures, or music relating to the
story, or for permission to use my story (for lord only knows what...) You
may contact me at my email address: cailenauthor@yahoo.com
	Thank you: Cailen

Chapter 17: Nevermore

	As the final bell rang I was excited because I was finally going to
swim with my team after two weeks and I really couldn't wait to get back
into the swing of things. I hadn't felt this way about school in a long
time and overall it left me feeling elated, I really hoped these feelings
wouldn't go away.
	I got to the locker room and changed before anyone had arrived. I
guess I was in such a rush I was a little early. I got changed and decided
to do a few warmup laps to get me moving. I raced down to the pool and
threw myself into the water and started with a few simple laps. My mind
instantly went to that special place and I was completely focused on the
lane in front of me and breathing. After a short while I decided to take a
break and sat myself in the shallow end of the pool.
	Colin and Dan had finished in the locker room and were just coming
around the side.
	"Hey guys" I said hopeful that they'd be willing to forget my
earlier rudeness to Jay
	"Hey" Colin said coming up and hopping into the pool next to me "I
just wanted to let you know we're cool" he said
	I was instantly relieved
	"Thanks" I said
	"Not many people know about Jay, I'm glad that he's finally found
someone to be friends with." Dan said taking a seat in the lane next to us.
	"He sort of found me" I said
	"He does that" Colin laughed "he's kinda funny, but in a good way,
he warms up to people slowly, give him time"
	I nodded and pushed myself into the water
	"Need to warm up more" I said and the other's joined me
	I got a few more minutes of practice before Coach Clarke came in
and smiled when he saw me swimming. We all got out of the pool and huddled
up for his practice talk.
	"As you can see we have a returning member" he said directing
everyone's attention to me.
	"We are a family, a team and we work not only together but also for
each other. I don't expect you all to be best friends, but this team is
your family and I hope now you all realize how important that is." Coach
finished
	There was a murmuring of assent and nodding of heads at this
	"Good, I'm going to set you into pairs and you can help train with
your swim buddy" Coach said as he began listing off names
	"Farrell, Petrie"
	I walked over to Dan and gave him a smile which was returned and we
walked over to the side of the pool.
	"Gallant, Holiday"
	"Stupid motherfucker..." I head Colin mutter under his breath as he
walked to stand next to Ian.
	I began working with Dan and was impressed with his dedication, he
wasn't the best swimmer I had ever seen but he definitely had spirit and
dedication to the sport and I could see him winning us some medals for
sure. The first thing I noticed was that had had great broad shoulders and
he used them to great effect when doing his sets.
	"Danny, what events you doing?" I asked him in-between laps
	"Breast 500, and team"
	"One sec Danny, I'll be right back"
	I got out of the pool and walked over to Coach Clarke
	"Coach" I said getting his attention
	"How you felling today Dustin?" he asked giving me a warm smile
	"I'm good, I have a question" I said
	"How can I help you?" he asked me back
	"Danny Petrie I think would be a great person for the butterfly, I
was wondering if you'd consider giving him a shot"
	The coach looked pensive for a moment and thought it over
	"I haven't considered Danny strong enough suited for that
relay...but... if you can prove to me his is I am always willing to make
the change" he finished giving me a knowing smile
	With Coach Clarke's blessing I went back to begin my mission
	"Okay Danny I'm going to teach you the butterfly" I said giving Dan
a smile
	"I can't butterfly" he said
	"Sure you can and I'll teach you how" I said
	I spent a good portion of the time teaching Danny how to butterfly
and just like I expected he surpassed my wildest dreams as he tore down the
pool at alarming speed causing other swimmers to stop and watch him. Soon
the guys were cheering
	"GO DANNY!"
	Danny finished his run amidst the cheers and hollers of the team
and a great big smile crossed his face and he rushed over and gave me a
high five.
	"That was great!" I said to him
	"Oh wow that was so much fun..." Dan said still elated
	Coach Clarke walked over and kneeled down to our lane
	"I see who's going to be on the butterflies this weekend" he said
then getting up and blowing his whistle
	We all got out of the pool and I was a little surprised when the
coach said to Ian
	"Not you Holiday... keep swimming" he sent Ian back to the pool
	Coach gave us the shake down and told us about the upcoming meet
this coming weekend. I hoped I was up to snuff by that point so I could
swim
	We were all exiting and I noticed that Ian was still swimming
	"Coach... why is Ian still in the pool?" I asked
	"Damn shame that one..." Coach said "been late days in a row,
hasn't been keeping up and his times are way down... I might have to pull
him off the team" he sighed "something's gotten into his head"
	I looked at Ian swimming laps and I sighed feeling my heart ache
again
	"Thanks coach" I said and I joined the team in the showers
	I was packing away my things and I pulled out my phone to call my
dad and tell him to come get me when Danny and Colin came up to me
	"Who you callin?" Colin asked
	"My dad, I need a ride home" I said
	"Jay gives me a ride home, I'm sure he won't mind bringing you
back" Dan offered
	I smiled and shut my phone.
	"Better offer" I said grabbing my things and walking out of the
lockers with them.
	We stood out in the cold October air waiting for Jay to come when I
saw Ian waiting for his dad around the corner out of the school almost out
of sight
	"Hang on a sec you guys... I'll be right back" I put down my things
and walked over to where Ian was sitting on the ground
	"Ian" I said looking down at him.
	I hadn't really been paying attention to Ian since our falling out
at the beginning of last week and I noticed he had bags under his eyes and
he really did look a mess
	"Hi" he said not looking at me
	"Ian... are you alright?" I asked
	Ian just sat there numbly and appeared to ignore me until I heard a
mumbled
	"Yea"
	"Ian" I said getting down on my knees "look at me!" Ian raised his
beautiful light blue eyes to meet my own and I felt them piercing into my
very soul.
	"Ian I know you're hurting, but you do not have to do this alone,
you can talk to me, to Colin... Coach... my dad... but please don't beat
yourself up over this..."
	"It's okay Ra..." Ian stopped himself before saying Raven "I'll be
alright"
	"Ian... please!" I begged
	"I chose this" Ian said looking up at me "I can't be what you want
me to be"
	"Yes you can..." I said "don't give up"
	"I chose this... this isn't your fault... don't blame yourself
alright?" Ian said
	I sighed and got up and brushed my legs off and walked back to
Colin and Dan.
	"Talk any sense into the idiot?" Colin asked
	"No, he's still an idiot"
	I was visibly upset and I knew there was nothing I could do. I
wanted Ian but at this moment I could not have him because his world was
keeping us apart.
	Jay arrived at that moment and Colin and Dan shuffled into the back
and I found myself sitting next to Jay who was giving me a soft smile.
	"I'm giving you a ride I take it?" he asked
	"Yes please" I said
	"Sure thing" he said taking off from the school
	We rode for a few moments before Jay glanced at me to the side
while driving and asked me
	"Are you alright?"
	I was still upset from Ian and I really liked Jay but I didn't know
if I could talk to him about Ian while liking him, it would feel awkward.
	"He's upset about Ian dumping him for that Amanda Slut... she's
cheating on him you know." Colin said I was angry and I wanted to refute
him but I was too intrigued because I didn't know that but I wasn't too
terribly surprised
	"Who?" I asked
	"Justin McDonald" Colin answered
	Go figure Cory Vancil's best friend from middle school.
	"You really like Ian don't you?" Jay asked me giving me another
glance
	"I did" I said
	"Feelings are funny... they never really go away, you only get new
ones" Jay said giving me a pearl of wisdom
	"I just don't know what to do about him, it's like he's from a
different world" I said
	"Trust me Raven, you're both from the same world but you both need
a healthy dose of perspective" Jay said
	I nodded in silence and stared out the window
	"He thinks that he can't be gay because it goes against everything
he's ever been taught. I mean how would you like it if you honestly
believed you were going to hell and were literally powerless to stop it?"
Jay said "He's afraid of what he is and what that might mean"
	"I know"
	"People are afraid of change, but usually glad AFTER it
happens... as I was told your coming out wasn't exactly all roses and
sunshine either right?"
	I nodded ashamed
	"It's not easy... so don't expect it to be. My best advice is to
let things happen as they happen"
	Jay arrived at Colin's house and I was a little annoyed when both
Danny and Colin got out.
	"I'll be by to pick you up later" Jay said to Danny
	"You better" I heard him call back as we pulled out of the
driveway.
	We then headed to my place in relative silence
	"Raven..." Jay said breaking the silence
	"Yea?" I asked
	"I know this probably isn't the greatest time to be asking... but
there's the Halloween dance this weekend after the meet, I was wondering if
you would like to go with me... as a date?" Jay asked
	I gulped and my mind shut off again
	I fished around for the correct words but everything failed me and
the silence drew into an incredible awkward moment
	"I... I... guess that's a no then..."
	"YES... I mean no... I mean yes I'll go with you!" I sputtered out
	Jay turned and gave me a smile and at that moment which I was sure
to never forget Jay took his hand off the wheel and placed it over mine and
wrapped his fingers around mind and held it tightly
	"Dustin I'm sure you're bound to forget this, but I promise I'll be
here for you always, if you need to talk... and I mean talk about anything
I'll listen alright?"
	"Thanks" I said finally feeling better for the first time since
running into Ian
	We pulled into the driveway of my house and I just sat there for a
moment holding his hand
	"The Poem is call `The Raven'" Jay said giving me a smile "the one
From Edgar Allen Poe"
	I smiled
	"Thanks" I said
	Jay turned to me and brought his head in close and my heart began
to race as I watched his face descended onto mine. I closed my eyes and
waited for the inevitable when suddenly I felt his hand on my cheek and his
lips on my other as he gave me a chaste kiss on the cheek.
	`He didn't kiss me!" my voice screamed
	"Maybe on the first date" Jay said as I snapped open my eyes to
looking into his. His amused smile caught me by surprise and I smiled too
	"I really have to go, but I'll see you tomorrow" Jay said giving my
hand a squeeze and I opened the door and grabbed my stuff and got out of
the car.
	"I'll see you tomorrow" I said closing the door
	"Raven" Jay called back
	I leaned my head in the window
	Jay handed me a slip of paper and pulled out of the driveway
	I looked down at the paper it read

	My Cellphone number, you may call day or night
	978-555-5555