Date: Sun, 19 May 2002 18:22:13 -0400
From: Stan Unknown <stan992001@hotmail.com>
Subject: Chapter 15 of Beating The Odds

			      Chapter Fifteen

(Thanks to Paul Hooten of Australia for identifying the movie this story is
based on as "The Breakfast Club". It's a great movie. Rent it and see --
Stan)

"Ok, you and Neal. When did that happen? How did it happen? I'm so happy it
did," Ryan said as soon as they got inside the house.

Bruce just smiled at him. "Ta take it easy, li little bother. One qe
question at a time." Bruce walked up to him and hugged him. Ryan's eyes got
really big, and his hands hung by his side for a moment, as he was stunned.
But he quickly recovered and hugged Bruce back fiercely.

Neal and Rob watched for a couple of seconds, and then Neal went over and
put his arm around Rob's shoulder. They grinned at each other and Rob put
his arm around Neal's waist. Neither wanted anything more than to watch and
see what was going to happen next. They shared one more grin and then moved
their eyes back to the two brothers.

"I .. I...tho ...thought you... you hated me," Ryan said, as he chocked up. Tears
started to flow out of his eyes.

"Ha hate you? Why wo would you ever have thought that? You you are my li
little brother. I lo love you. I always have."

"But you have always...well, always kept me away from you. You never
seemed to want me around. Every time I tried to come to you with any
problems I had, you shut me out. I really thought you hated me!" Ryan said,
as he burst into tears.

Bruce didn't say anything for a long time. He just gently rocked his younger
brother back and forth and swayed like he was listening to a song. He
finally said, "Ry, I'm really sorry. I..I was so sca scared. I was scared
you wo would hate me if you fo found out I was ga gay. I kept my myself away
from yuh you because I was sca scared you would find out and tell ev
everyone at school. I ev even told Mom and Dad the same thing."

Ryan pulled away from Bruce and looked him in the eye. Bruce could see the
tears streaming down his cheeks. "Mom and Dad know you're gay?" he asked
loudly.

"Yeah. They to took it really we well. You wa want me to help you te tell
the them about you and Ro Rob?"

"Yeah. Would you do that?" Rob asked.

"Sure. I would do an anything for my ba baby brother," Bruce answered, as
his eyes also started to water.

Ryan stared him in the eyes for a long time. Their eyes were cemented
together. Neither spoke. Finally Ryan said, "I love you, big brother. I
always have. And I always will," and flung himself against Bruce once more.

"I love you too," Bruce answered, as they hugged each other. Both were
clearly crying now.

Neal finally looked down at Rob and said, "Maybe we will be brother-in-laws
some day." Both could see that the other's eyes were red.

"Yeah," Rob answered, as the first tear ran down his face. "Can we join
them? I think this may be something none of us ever forget."

"I think that is a great idea, buddy. I love you," Neal said, as he also
shed the first tear.

"Me too," Rob answered, as he turned and hugged Neal briefly. Then they
separated and went over and joined in the two brothers hugging each other.
It quickly became a four brother hug.

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

"Ok. I'll pick you both up at 8:50. Make sure and be ready. We need to be
there when Mr. Corwin said that we should," Tim said. "I don't want any more
Saturday detentions."

"We don't either. We'll be ready. I always get up early. My teddy bear here
can sleep until noon any day. I'll make sure both of us are ready. He'll
take a shower if I have to get in with him and scrub him down myself," Jim
answered.

"Note to self. Sleep in as long as possible tomorrow morning. Fake being
asleep. Make Jim bathe me," Brian said, as he burst into a fit of giggles.

"Was that humor I just heard? From you? I have to admit, that was good," Jim
said, as he put his arm around Brian. "Later, guys. Did you just hear that?
Who says you can't teach an old dog, new tricks?"

Brian started to tickle him and Kevin finally said, "Guys, you had better go
into the house. You don't want anyone to see you like this."

"Yeah. Or go rent a motel room," Tim said, as he waved at them and drove
off.

Finally, he and Kevin were alone. Neither spoke for a few moments. Then Tim
said, "How do I get to your Uncle's house?"

"Turn right at the next block and go four blocks and then take a left. We
don't live very far from here," Kevin answered, looking at Tim.

Tim looked quickly at him, then forced his eyes back on the road. He didn't
know what it was but suddenly he was really shy about being alone with
Kevin. And this was what he had been trying to do for a long time. Just meet
Kevin. Talk to him. Just be around him. And here was his big chance and he
was too scared of what he might say to say anything.

They rode the rest of the way in silence. But Kevin kept staring at Tim. Tim
would look over sideways at Kevin every so often but when he saw Kevin
staring at him, he would quickly turn his eyes away.

When Kevin finally told him which house it was, Tim pulled up against the
curb with the engine still running, expecting Kevin to immediately hop out.
He didn't, he sat where he was and continued to stare at Tim. "You want me
to pick you up in the morning too?" Tim asked softly.

"Yeah, that would be really nice of you. Will you do me a favor?" Kevin
asked.

"Sure," Tim answered. "What is it?"

"Can you come in for a few minutes?"

"Uh, I ... I guess so," Tim answered, as he shut off the engine. "Why?"

"I just don't want to be alone right now. I just thought we could talk for a
few minutes."

"Oh. Ok, I guess. I have to be home soon, but I have a few minutes," Tim
answered, as he started to get out of the car.

Kevin got out and hurried around to see if there was anything he could do to
help Tim out, but Tim was fiercely determined and made it on his own, like
always. They walked up the stairs together, Kevin making sure that he didn't
walk too fast and get ahead of Tim.

Kevin unlocked the front door and let Tim go in before him. "Let's go back
to the kitchen and get something to drink," Kevin said, as he passed Tim and
led the way.

Tim followed behind him, getting more and more nervous. `What's wrong with
me? This is what I've been wanting forever. And now I can't even talk to
him. Get a grip, Tim,' he thought as he followed Kevin.

"Coke Ok with you? We also have orange juice and iced tea," Kevin said, as
he opened the refrigerator door.

"Coke's fine with me," Tim relied.

Kevin handed him one and popped the tab on his can. He took a big swallow
and then said, "You're really shy, aren't you?

Tim had just taken a swallow himself and almost choked on it. "What?" he
finally answered after he got his breathe back.

"I just asked if you're really shy. You seem to be almost scared of me."

"I'm ... I'm not scared. I'm just ... I don't know. I guess nervous is more
like it," Tim answered.

"Why would you be nervous around me?" Kevin asked, as he walked closer.

"I ... I don't know," Tim answered, turning red. He kept his eyes locked with
Kevin's, though.

"Do you like me? Is that what all of this is about?" Kevin asked, as he got
within a couple of feet of Tim.

"No. Why would you think that?" Tim replied, as he nervously put down his
coke on the kitchen table.

Kevin did the same and then said, "You're not a very good liar, Tim. You
know something? I like you, too." He came really close, put his left hand on
Tim's shoulder, bent down slightly and kissed Tim softly on his lips.

Tim pulled back like an electric shock had hit him. His mouth was hanging
open as he stared at Kevin. But he didn't say a word.

"Was it all right that I kissed you?" Kevin asked softly, as he got closer
again. "I hope it was because I want to do it again." He gently put both
hands on Tim's shoulders and slowly pulled him to him. Tim didn't resist, he
just closed his eyes in anticipation. His wildest dreams were coming true
and he had to steady himself to keep from falling down.

Kevin leaned down and kissed Tim a little firmer. His hands went around
Tim's back and pulled him into and embrace. Tim almost went limp, and
Kevin's strong arms kept him from falling over.

They finally broke apart and Kevin just stared down into Tim's eyes.

"Why?" Tim asked, as he got he feet steadied.

"Why what?"

"Why did you do that?" Tim asked.

"Because I wanted too. Because I thought you needed to be kissed. Because I
knew you wouldn't ever kiss me first," Kevin answered.

"But..." Tim said, and then stopped.

"But what? I might be falling in love with you. Isn't that enough reason?"
Kevin asked, as he pulled Tim towards him and kissed him again.

This time Tim responded and kissed back just as passionately. His arms were
wrapped just as tightly around Kevin as Kevin's were around him.

When they finally broke apart, Tim looked up at him and asked, "What
about..." And then couldn't go on.

"Oh. What about you having a car and I don't? That's really cool. You can
take me anywhere I want to go."

"No, I mean..."

"I know what you mean. You don't have to say it. That's part of why I'm
attracted to you. It doesn't make any difference to me. You don't have a
clue what I've gone through, and you never will. I just see the inner Tim.
The one that's just dying to come out if someone will just love him. And I
think maybe I'm going to be the one. I sure hope so," Kevin answered, as he
stared at Tim.

Tim stared back at him and saw pure love for the first time in his life. He
almost threw his body against Kevin's, causing him to lose his balance.
Kevin hit the side of a chair and they both tumbled over on the kitchen
floor. Tim landed on top of Kevin, but Kevin just regained his balance
quickly and held Tim where he was.

Tim was almost panic stricken, as he tried to roll off of him. But Kevin
kept him where he was.
"I didn't hurt you, did I?" he asked.

"Now way, big guy," Kevin answered to the smaller Tim. "I kind of liked it.
But you only get one more of these and we're even."

"What do you mean?" Tim asked, clearly perplexed, as he stared down at
Kevin.

"Well, I knocked you down and fell on top of you once in the park and once
today. You owe me two of these. This is one," he kidded.

Tim just beamed down at him. "So, I can get you in this position one more
time and you won't mind?"

"Mind? No, I insist on it. I am on the wrestling team too, did you know
that?" Kevin playfully asked.

"No. Why?"

"Because once I get someone down, they don't get up. And you aren't getting
up for a while, either," Kevin answered, smiling.

Tim just giggled and kissed Kevin quickly. "Is that a threat or a promise?"

"Both!" Kevin answered, as he pulled Tim down to him and kissed him again.

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

"So, Jimmy. Are you really interested in helping me create a gay friendly
club at school?" Mr. Corwin asked, as he drove away from dropping off the
other boys.

"Sure. I don't see why not. My acting has to take preference, but I still
have lots of time. What do you want me to do?"

"I'm not sure right now. I need to go home and think about it.  But I guess
I was just unsure of your commitment based on how you reacted to the guys we
just dropped off."

"Why? I said I would be in your club and I meant it. I don't have to be gay
to join, do I?" Jimmy asked, kind of pissed at the way the line of
questioning was going.

"No, of course not. I'm not gay, and I joined the support organization when
I was in college. But college is different. You don't have as many
prejudices. I was lots older than the student body we have here and this is
a totally different set of problems. You were in the fight, even though all
you did was try and stop it from happening. But you have to know that you
will face discrimination at the start for even being in a gay rights club,"
Mr. Corwin said.

"I know that. But my friends will understand," Jimmy answered.

"Yeah. Your friends. But word will spread around the school. Are you ready
to face someone that you don't know that might approach you about being in
this club and take exception to you supporting the others?"

"Huh? What do you mean?" Jimmy asked.

"Jimmy, think about it. You saw what happened today. There are lots of
people who hate gays for absolutely no reason. It isn't like any of them are
ever going to hit on them or anything like that. But they just don't feel
comfortable around them. Like they might influence them to be gay too. I
think it is partly that they might think they have gay thoughts too, at
times, and are so scared about it that they persecute people who are openly
gay just to prove to themselves that they aren't gay and never could be. But
these same type people can also be hostile to people who aren't gay
themselves, but just support their lifestyle. Do you see what I am getting
at?" Mr. Corwin asked.

"I... I think so. You don't think I should join your club?" Jimmy asked.

"NO! Exactly the opposite. If anyone is going to help break down these
stereotypes, it has to be people like you who aren't scared to stand up to
others and say these people have the right to lead their life any way they
see fit. It is NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS if they have a boyfriend or several
girlfriends and are cheating on all of them behind the other girlfriend's
backs. Their private lives are just that. PRIVATE!!! And a boy who is
totally straight can make friends with a gay boy just as easily as a
straight one, or a gay girl as easily as a straight girl. Because the world
doesn't revolve around who is sleeping with who, but around friendships. And
friendship doesn't have anything to do with sex. Does that make any sense to
you?"

"Yeah. So I should join your club?" Jimmy asked, with a dumb look on his
face.

Mr. Corwin stared at Jimmy for a few seconds and then said, "God, Jimmy, of
all people, I thought you'd understand."

"I'm kidding. Lighten up. We aren't at school any more, Dave," Jimmy joked.

Mr. Corwin hit the brakes hard and almost threw them both forward. He
recovered and then said, "I ought to flunk you right now for playing dumb
with me."

"You lost your chance last year. I got straight A's, remember," Jimmy
answered, giggling.

Mr. Corwin laughed at that and when the light turned green, he drove on.
"Yeah. I guess you did. You were a great student last year. You really
helped me get over the first year jitters."

"So it's all right if I call you Dave?"

"Sure. Why not? Out of school. Not in it. If we are going to build something
together, we should all be equal. And honestly, I hate all the Mr. bullshit,
anyway. Mr. Corwin was my father, not me."

"DAVE, I totally agree with what you said. You kind of ran off at the mouth
a little bit, but I did agree," Jimmy laughed.

"I can still pull your grades from last year and change them, young man,"
Dave joked.

"You know I'm kidding. And I can handle myself. Don't worry about me. I just
hang around my friends and all of them are cool about people's rights. None
of them would care if I join a new club. All of us are in so many clubs
anyway that one more won't matter."

"Jimmy, you have to understand that this won't be just any club. It wasn't,
even in college. There are still lots of people who hate gays, just like
there are people who hate Jews or blacks. They may never have really met one
and got to know him, but they hate them just the same. That is just how they
were brought up. And they aren't going to change over night."

"Dave, I understand, OK? Don't worry about me. I can look out for myself."

                                        To Be Continued

E-mail responses to the stories, story suggestions or other 'constructive'
comments or advice may be sent to: stan992001@hotmail.com. All e-mails will
be answered. You can also visit the young gay guys support group I created
after my "Matt and Mike" story at www.groups.yahoo.com/group/gbct or our web
site at www.gayteensunite.org. There is a forum section there where you can
enter comments about this story for everyone to see. All comments will also
be forwarded to the eleven guys from the group that are in the story.