Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2009 22:12:03 -0700
From: David Courson <dsc110875@hotmail.com>
Subject: Quarterback with the Emerald Eyes - Part 21

      To all of my proofreaders, thank you for continuing to help me with
this story and for taking the time to proofread it for me.  After writing
and reading so many times, my eyes tell me everything is fine, until I get
your notes.  Thanks for your time.

      To the readers: I need to apologize for taking so long in getting
this chapter out to you guys.  A lot of stuff has happened over the last
few months and I've had to deal with a few things that have taken up my
time.  As of now, I am on a medication with a side effect that includes
severe depression, among other things.  Things are going well for me, but
sometimes I get down because of the pills and I don't feel like writing or
even answering emails.

      I still have a lot of emails to get to and I am sorry for not keeping
up with them on a timely manner as I promised I would.  Please don't give
up on hearing back from me.  I promise that I will answer each and every
one I receive.  I know I've said this so many times before, but I really
want to thank you guys for your patience: the old readers who've been with
me from the beginning and the new readers just finding me within the last
few chapters.  I cannot promise when the next chapter will be out, but
please understand that the story will continue.  I will not just leave the
story open without an ending.  I plan of finishing the remaining 50 or so
chapters, so you have nothing to worry about.  The story is far from over.

      Now, for an author's note.  I have never been to New York City, not
yet, at least, and I have never stayed at the Plaza Hotel, nor been
anyplace that I may have mentioned in this and future chapters.  Besides
the actual places of business and residences, all the rest of the
description is from my mind's eye.  If I am wrong in any of the detail,
there is no need to email me and let me know I am wrong, only because I
have never been there and it's all imaginary.

      Anyway, enjoy the chapter!!!!

      Quarterback with the Emerald Eyes -- Part 21

      The following morning I awoke about 5:30 and was starving.  I had
slept for almost eleven hours and I was still tired.  I didn't know what to
do.  I got up and went to the bathroom and got my shower out of the way.
After that was done and I was dressed, I headed downstairs and decided to
make some breakfast.  I wanted some scrambled eggs but realized I didn't
know how to cook them.  I had seen Barbara do it many times but never paid
any attention as to how she had done it.  I knew about how to make the
bacon but again, wasn't sure how high the heat needed to be to cook the
bacon without burning it.

      I closed the fridge and looked in the cabinets and saw a box with
big, fluffy pancakes on it and thought that would be good for breakfast.  I
got the box down, read the directions, but then again, I didn't know how
high to make the heat to cook without burning.  I was about to give up but
then decided, unless I try I'll never learn.

      I got out a bowl and the milk, eggs, salt and the box of Bisquick and
started mixing, following the directions.  After that batter was ready I
got out a flat pan and put it on the largest eye and turned it on high.  I
waited a couple minutes and then remembered something Barbara used to do.
She would get some water on her fingers and flick it on the griddle to see
if it was hot enough.  I went to the sink and did the same, but when I
flicked, the water beaded and stayed put.  So I waited a little longer
until the water beads started dancing and finally, evaporated.

      I grabbed the batter and poured a little in the center of the pan and
watched it cook.  I stared at it for a minute until the bubbles started
showing on the topside, which the box said, the underside was ready for
turning.  I looked around and couldn't find a spatula and was frantically
looking through drawers and everywhere for it, when the pancake started
smoking.

      I ended up panicking and turned off the eye and put the pan in the
sink and turned on the cold water to stop the smoke, which, in turn only
created steam, and a lot of it.  At this point, I was just about ready to
cry.  Not about the mishap of the cooking, but because I was so frustrated
that Todd wasn't around and that I hadn't slept well.  All I wanted to do
was see Todd again.  Why was I being so helpless without him?  He couldn't
help me instantly make the pancakes better or with me automatically knowing
how to scramble eggs just because he's here.  Why do I feel so helpless
without him?

      I got so frustrated that I sat at one of the barstools at the island
and put my head down.  I so wanted to cry but then thought there wasn't a
need to.  It was only going to be four months before he was back in town.
In thinking that, a tear formed and ran down my nose and I saw it fall to
the counter.  A few more tears escaped before I sat up and wiped my eyes.
I looked at the mess I had made in the kitchen and decided to get myself
busy and clean it up.

      I rinsed the bowl with the batter in it, scooped up the half cooked
pancake and threw it away and washed the pan and bowl and placed them on
the drain board.  After that, I grabbed a bowl and some cereal and was
going to have breakfast but then realized I used the last of the milk for
the pancake.  I left the open box of cereal on the counter and the bowl
with the cereal sitting in it and grabbed my bag and left the house.  I
felt that if I left things would get better.  Boy was I wrong.

      On the way to school, a dog ran out in front of me, which caused me
to slam on brakes and spill the Starbucks I had bought only five minutes
before then, after cussing up a storm and trying not to let it get to me,
the car started shaking and so I pulled over and got out only to discover a
flat tire.  At this point I was about ready to slice my own throat.

      "Why are you doing this to me?" I asked the heavens.  "What did I do
to deserve all this at the same time?"

      Tears started flowing down my cheeks, harder, out of frustration.  I
reached for my wallet, to get my triple A card, only to discover that I had
left my wallet at home.  Cussing like a sailor, I got in the car and
reached for my cell only to find I didn't have that either.  To top
everything off, it started raining and I didn't have an umbrella.

      I threw open the door and went around to the trunk and got the spare
out of the back.  I grabbed the jack and the crowbar and got on the ground
to find out where to place the stupid thing to lift the car.  After I
finally got it situated, I put the crowbar in the slot and started pumping,
but nothing happened.  Finally, I picked up the jack and read the
directions on the side while getting soaked to the bone.

      I did as the directions said and turned a knob then started pumping
again, finally, with a response.  As the jack lifted, I saw the tire come
off the ground and, after being able to turn the tire freely; I put the lug
nut wrench on the first nut and tried to turn it, only to have the whole
tire turn instead.  I tried yanking it and then tried others, with the same
reaction.  I stood up and threw the wrench to the ground, only to have it
bounce off the concrete and hit my car, scratching the paint.

      I just gave up.  I sat on the ground with my back against the car and
let the tears flow.  Yes, I missed Todd, but I was so pissed at myself for
not knowing how to change a stupid tire that I had had it and just didn't
care anymore.  About ten minutes later, another car pulled over behind me
and the driver got out and came over toward me.  By this time, I had
stopped crying, but luckily, the rain hid my tear soaked cheeks.

      "Having trouble?" a stranger asked.

      Standing, I said, "Yeah, I got a flat, but don't know how to change
it.  I lifted it up, but now the tire won't stop turning."

      "That's fixable," the man said.  "Lower the car back to the ground
with the tire just touching and then loosen the bolts."

      He handed me his umbrella and I held it over him as he got the wrench
and lowered the jack to the ground.  After doing so, he easily loosened
every bolt, but didn't remove them.  Lifting the car back up, he then
finished removing the bolts and finally, the tire came off.

      "Where's the spare?" he asked me.

      "Here in the trunk," I said, walking with him to keep him dry under
the umbrella.

      He lifted up the faux bottom of the trunk and there it was, never
been used.  He unscrewed the stabilization screw and lifted the tire into
the rain.  Carrying it to the front passenger wheel, he lined up the holes
and placed it back on the bolts.

      "Do me a favor, will ya?" he asked.  "Put your foot down at the
bottom to hold it on so I can put the bolts on."

      I did as I was instructed and he started replacing the bolts and
finally grabbed the wrench.

      "Here, let me lower it down.  You've done a lot for me already."

      "Well, I gotta tighten them first," he said with a smile.

      He placed the wrench on the bottom bolt first and used the spinning
tire to counteract his tightening.  As the tire spun one way, he would push
the wrench the other.  He repeated the step until all bolts were tighten
then handed me the wrench and took back his umbrella.

      "Now, lower it all the way to the ground and then give them another
good tightening and you'll be done."

      "Thanks, I really do appreciate your help.  It's been one hell of a
morning so far."

      "I'm glad I was able to help.  But I gotta get going.  I might be
late for work as it is."

      "I'm sorry about that.  Can I give you something?  Pay you for your
time?"

      "I wouldn't even think of it.  Just pass along the gesture to someone
else in need when you can."  He turned and walked away and said, "Good
luck."

      "Thanks," I hollered back, not even remembering to get his name.

      After tightening the bolts one last time, I put the old tire in the
same place as the spare and placed everything in the trunk and got back in
the car.  When I did, the bell to let me know I was low on gas started
dinging and so I went directly to a station to put my last ten dollars in
the tank.  With all that done, I got back in my car and steered my way
home.  I didn't even feel like going to school anymore.

      Back at the house, I went upstairs and stripped down and got back in
the shower and warmed myself back up.  When I was done, I flopped down on
the bed and curled up, grabbed Todd's pillow and hugged it to my chest with
it under my nose and dozed off.

      About forty-five minutes later, I was awakened to the sound of my
cell going off.  I rolled over and grabbed it off the bed side table, where
I left it the night before and forgot it this morning, and answered the
call from Kelly.

      "Hey," I said.

      "Where are you?" she asked, concerned.

      "I'm not coming today."

      "Are you sick?" she asked.

      "No.  It's a long story.  I'll tell you tonight."

      I heard the bell ring and told her that she'd better get going before
she was late.  "What do I tell Mr. Roberts if he asks?"

      "Tell him I had a fever or something.  It'll be an unexcused absence,
so it doesn't matter, really."

      "Okay.  Are you going to work today?" she asked me.

      "Yeah, but I'll be done by five.  Hey, you wanna catch a burger or
something after I get done?"

      "Sure.  Howie's gonna head over to Ari's tonight just to hang out, so
I'll be by myself."

      "Cool.  I'll call you when I'm done.  We'll go somewhere up here in
Buckhead."

      "No, let me come down there.  I don't get to come to Midtown that
often.  It'll be a change of scenery."

      "Okay.  I'll call you about half an hour before I'm done then.
Cool?"

      "Cool," she said, then told me goodbye.

      I set my alarm on my phone for another hour and fifteen minutes then
dozed back off.  Five minutes before my alarm went off, the phone rang
again.  I rolled over and grabbed it from the bed and gave a not so nice
hello to the caller.

      "What's wrong with you, baby?"

      "Oh, Todd, it's you.  Sorry, it's been an awful morning."

      "Something told me that, that's why I called.  You okay?"

      "Yeah, but the things that have happened to me in just the last few
hours, don't usually happen to people in a whole week."

      "Okay, let me have it," he said.

      I told him of my morning and how I just decided to play hooky and
sleep my cares away.  He apologized to me several times and I had to keep
telling him it's not his fault.  That fate was torturing me, just because
it can.

      He gave a chuckle and told me to cheer up, that things won't be that
bad every day.

      "I know," I said, then continued, "I just don't want to have another
one like today."

      "Well, it doesn't get better.  Hell, maybe today was just a day for
fuck ups."

       "Why do you say it doesn't get any better?"

      "Mom and dad decided to stay over another night, so we'll have to
postpone our date."

      "Oh, shit.  I forgot about that.  This is actually the best thing
that's happened so far."

      "Postponing our date is a good thing?" he asked.

      "Yeah, well, I promised Kelly that we would get together tonight for
dinner, completely forgetting about our date, so it kinda worked out.  Now,
unless Martin shows up early, we'll have more time tomorrow."

      "If he knows what's good for him, he'll not show up until he said he
would.  I'll lock him out if I need to."

      "Todd, you don't know this kid, and he doesn't know you.  How is he
expected to know what's best for him when it comes to you?"

      "It's just a figure of speech.  If he comes in, then we'll have to
put it off for a little longer."

      "Why?" I asked.  "Do you want it to be sexual?"

      "Well, I was kinda hoping for a little dirty talk, at least."

      I laughed and said, "Well, I can get naked for you on the webcam.  At
least you'd be able to see me."

      "What good will that do me?" he asked.  "I won't be able to touch
myself if he shows up early."

      "Oh, poor baby," I said in a condescending voice.

      "Shut up, asshole," he told me.

      Again, I laughed.  "Let's just hope he doesn't show up, then."

      "Yeah," he said.  "Shouldn't you be getting ready for work?"

      "What time is it?" I asked, too lazy to turn over and look at the
clock.

      "A little after 8:30."

      "Yeah, I need to get dressed and head out the door soon."

      "Well, I'll let you go.  Call me tonight when you and Kelly are done,
k?"

      "Will do, puppy.  Love you."

      "Love you, too, Blake.  Bye."

      "Bye."

      After I hung up, I got up and got dressed, seeing as I had already
had two showers this morning, I felt I was clean enough.  Once I got things
together, my cell phone and wallet, especially, I headed out to work.

      I stopped down at Starbucks before heading into work, hoping I
wouldn't spill it again, and arrived without incident.  Walking in the
store, Joe greeted me with a super happy hello.

      "What the hell crawled up his ass this morning?" I asked Carl, as I
stepped behind the counter.

      "Mike's back from his business trip.  I think Joe got lucky last
night."

      "Oh.  Cool.  I'm glad he's so happy, but does he need to rub it in?"

      "Missin' Todd, huh?"

      "Like you wouldn't believe.  He just left yesterday, but I feel like
there's a hole in my heart."

      "I know how you feel.  When I was twenty-two, I think, I had a
boyfriend move because of a job.  We never broke up or anything, but with
him being so far away, something felt off.  Like you said; a hole in my
heart.  I went to visit a few times, and he came back to visit me, but it
just kinda fell apart."

      "If you guys still loved each other, why did it fall apart?"

      "Well, I decided to surprise him one day and flew out to Denver.
When I got to his place, I walked in like I usually would do, then went to
the bedroom.  When I got there, there was another guy in the bed with him."

      "Oh, man.  What'd you do?"

      "I turned around, without making any sounds, and started to leave.
When I passed the dining room table, I stopped, took off my ring and set it
down.  Then as I left, I slammed the door shut and took off.  Within
minutes, he was calling me, but I never answered.

      "I went back to the airport and got my ticket changed for the
earliest flight back to Atlanta.  It wasn't until the next day, so I
checked into the hotel at the airport and just waited.  I ended up crying
myself to sleep that night, I was so heartbroken.  When I woke up the next
morning, I turned on my cell and had seventeen voicemails."

      "Seventeen?  What was he saying?"

      "Everything from how sorry he was, to blaming me for not telling him
I was coming, then back to how sorry he was.  When I finally did talk to
him, which was about a month later, I told him to never contact me again.
He begged me for forgiveness and to give him another chance but I just
laughed at him.  I was over it.  I didn't want to even try again with him.
Since that day I haven't talked to him."

      "Sorry to hear that buddy.  I guess it would kinda suck."

      "It did, but like I said, I'm over it.  Since then, I've had a couple
more boyfriends, but the right one hasn't come along just yet."

      I gave him a hug and said, "As smart, funny and cute as you are,
someone's gonna be a lucky guy when you finally snag them."

      Pulling away, he smiled and said, "From your lips to God's ears."

      I smiled back at him then a guest walked up.  I helped them and got
my routine going for the day.

      About half an hour before quitting time, I gave Kelly a call and told
her just to come on down to the store and when she got here, I should be
finished.  She agreed and showed up, right as I was getting ready to clock
out for the day.  When I came back from the office, I looked at her and
asked if she was ready.

      "Sure am," she said and then waved bye to Carl and Matthew.

      "Good to meet you, Kelly," Matthew called.  "See ya later."

      When we got outside, I asked Kelly for what she was in the mood.

      "I don't know.  What's around here?" she asked.

      "Well, we got bagels, grocery store deli, the Bread Café, buffet
style restaurant and Starbucks for snacks."

      "How about the Bread Café for a sandwich and Starbucks for dessert?"

      "Cool, you wanna follow or ride with me?  It's just on the lower
level, down there."

      "I'll follow you.  Don't want to take up what little parking they
have up here," she said.

      We got in our respective cars and she followed me out to Piedmont
Road, then down about a half a block before we turned into the main Ansley
Mall area.  Pulling up to the Bread Café, she parked next to me and we
walked in.

      After putting in our order, we took a table close to the front, near
the window, and talked while we waited for our order to be ready.

      "So, how are things?" she asked.

      "So far, so good,... all except for today, that is," I answered.

      "Yeah," she said.  "What happened?"

      I told her about my morning and how bad it was, all up until I went
to work, and then how things had slowly got better as the day went on.

      "I don't blame you a bit.  I would've done the exact same thing.
Well, you didn't miss much.  History was as it always is...boring.  That
would be a great class if Mr. Roberts would actually teach instead of
joking around so much."

      "Yeah, I know.  I'm almost ready to just drop out and get my degree
this December.  I've already got the credits; I'm just doing it to stay in
school for now."

      "I swear, Blake, if you leave me in that class by myself..." she
said, picking up her left hand and shaking a finger at me.

      With the sun shining in the window, I saw a glint of something that
caught my eye.

      "I won't," I said laughing and grabbing her hand.  Looking down, I
saw that she was wearing a gold ring on her ring finger.

      "What's this?" I asked, twisting the ring around her finger.

      Quickly, she pulled it away, saying, "Oh, nothing," then immediately
looked down.

      "That doesn't look like nothing to me.  Did Howie give it to you?"

      She brought her hand back up from under the table and rested it where
her plate would eventually go.

      "Yeah, he gave it to me," she said, smiling.

      "Any special occasion?  You're birthday isn't for a couple months,
still."

      "Well, yeah, it's a special occasion.  He proposed."

      "He did what?" I asked, a little louder than normal.

      "Blake, quiet," she said, grabbing my arm and looking around.

      "Sorry.  Did I hear you right?  He asked you to marry him?"

      "Yeah," she said, admiring the ring.

      "What did you say?" I asked, stunned.

      "Duh," she said, rising her hand.  "I'm wearing the ring, aren't I?"

      "Not to be a material whore, but isn't there supposed to be a diamond
in that ring somewhere to be an engagement ring?"

      "He doesn't have a lot of money, so he told me he was going to have
to do it backwards.  My wedding band first, then the engagement band during
the wedding.  Personally, I hope he surprises me with my engagement ring
before the wedding and asks for this one back until the wedding day.
But...if it doesn't happen, I won't be upset."

      "I just can't believe it," I said, looking at her.
"Congratulations," I said and leaned over and gave her a hug.

      "Thanks," she said, pulling out of the hug and settling back into her
seat. "He caught me off guard when he asked."

      I gave her a look of interest and she continued.

      "We were at a movie, and onscreen, there was this guy who proposed to
his girlfriend.  As he said the words `will you marry me', Howie put
something in my hand.  I looked down and saw it was a box.  I opened it and
could barely see it, so I got my cell phone and lit the screen and pointed
it at the box.  When I saw it was a ring, I looked at him confused and
asked what it was for.  He whispered to me, `what he said...in the movie',
then grabbed the ring and asked me himself.

      "I couldn't believe it.  I watched him slip it on my finger and got
teary eyed.  I looked at it gleam from the movie screen then looked at him
and said yes.  He kissed me and I don't have a clue what happened with the
rest of the movie.  I kept staring at the ring and him.  I couldn't even
get the smile off my face, I was so happy."

      "I can't believe it.  When's the big day?" I asked.

      "Not for a long while.  I'm going to college first, and then after we
graduate, we'll think about a date."

      At that time, the person behind the counter called our number and I
excused myself to get our order.  Once back at the table, I placed her
plate in front of her and I sat my food on the table.

      "Not to be pessimistic or anything, but you've only known him since,
when?  April?  Are you sure he's the one."

      "Definitely!!" she said without hesitation.  "I know it's only been
four months or so, but still, I know he's the one for me.  I can feel it."

      "That's awesome, baby.  I can't wait to tell mom and..."

      "No!!" she said cutting me off.  "You can't tell anyone.  I don't
want anyone finding out right now.  I don't want anyone telling us we're
doing the wrong thing.  If they just think it's a promise ring, like yours,
they won't say anything.

      "Howie and I agreed we would keep it a secret until after graduation
and then we would break the news.  That way, at least we'd have a year
together before anyone said anything.  Then, like I said, we'd both go off
to college, and get married after that."

      "Sounds like a plan," I said.  "But can I at least tell Todd if I
tell him not to tell anyone?"

      Thinking for a second, she said, "Yes, but please tell him not to
tell anyone.  At least not right now."

      "He won't.  You know I trust him."

      "Yeah, I know," she said picking up her sandwich.  "I forgot these
things were so big.  We might have to skip dessert."

      "Yeah, right, like you'd actually give up Starbucks," I said with a
smirk.

      Looking at me a second, she said, "Yeah, you're right.  What was I
thinking?"  She laughed a small laugh and took a bite out of her sandwich.

      We talked for another hour or so at the Bread Café, then headed down
the walkway to the coffee shop.  We talked for a couple more hours, and
after two coffees each, said goodnight and headed home.

      When I got home, I grabbed my phone and called Todd.  After two
rings, he picked up.

      "Hey baby, can I call you back a little later?  We're eating right
now."

      "Sure, puppy.  Tell mom and dad I said hi.  Talk to you soon."

      "Okay, love you.  Bye."

      "Love you, too, Todd.  Bye."

      I dropped down to the couch and flipped on the TV.  I flipped through
a few channels before coming to what seemed to be an interesting reality
show.  After five minutes, I was asleep.  Tells you how interesting it was.
I got about a half hour nap in when the phone rang.  I woke up and grabbed
the remote and flipped off the TV.  Answering the phone, it was Todd
calling me back.

      "Hey, baby.  How was your date with Kelly?" he asked.

      "Very interesting.  I found out some news today," I said.

      "What news?" he asked.

      "Your friend, Howie...remember him?"

      "No, I don't remember Howie," he said sarcastically.  "What about
him?"

      "He proposed to Kelly?"

      "He did what?" Todd asked, in a louder than normal voice.

      "I had the same reaction," I said giggling.

      "When did this happen?" he asked me.

      "A couple of weeks ago.  They were in the movie theater when it
happened."

      "In a movie theater.  That didn't seem too romantic," he said.

      "She thought it was clever.  As the man onscreen was proposing to his
girlfriend, Howie proposed to Kelly."

      "Oh, well, that was kinda clever," Todd said.  "But they've only
known each other for..."

      "Four months," I said, finishing the sentence for him.  "I know, I
said the same thing, but she said she was one hundred percent sure he was
the one for her."

      "What about Howie?" he asked me.

      "Don't know.  He was with Ari tonight, she said.  So it was just her
and me."

      "Guess I better call and ask.  Wow, I can't believe it.  I never
figured him for the fall in love fast type.  He must really love Kelly."

      "When I've seen them together, he seems like he does.  I really know
she does and I really hope he does.  I would hate it if he hurt her."

      "Don't you worry about Howie?  He's a great guy.  He would go to the
end of the Earth for his friends, and if he loves Kelly enough to propose,
he'd find a way to catch a falling star if she asked."

      "That makes me feel better," I said, turning to lie on the couch.
"Oh, and don't tell anyone, okay?  They aren't getting married until after
college graduation, but they're gonna make it official after they graduate
high school."

      "Why are they waiting so long?" he asked.

      "They both want to go to school, and they probably won't go to the
same college.  If I know Kelly, she's already applied to Princeton, Harvard
and Yale.  She's Ivy League all the way."

      "Yeah, and Howie is college ball all the way.  As different as they
are, I hope it works for `em."

      "Me too.  Anyway, change of subject.  So...what're you wearing?" I
asked and gave a silly grin.

      "Right now, nothing."

      "Oh, well in that case, you wanna have a little fun?"

      "Baby, I would love to, but I'm too beat to get excited.  We toured
all over the city today.  Probably walked a good ten miles and I'm
exhausted."

      "That's cool, puppy.  After mom and dad leave tomorrow, give me a
call, and we'll meet up for our date.  I don't have any plans, `cept for
you, of course."

      "Thanks, Blake, I appreciate it.  I'm about to get a shower then pass
out."

      "Go and relax under the water and sleep well, okay?"

      "That's my plan, baby.  I'll call you tomorrow."

      "I love you," I said.

      "You too.  Night."

      "Night."

      I hung up the phone and thought about Todd standing naked under the
water and started getting hard.  He was so sexy with water running over the
muscles in his back and through the valleys of his abs.  I decided to
pleasure myself, which would be the first time in over a year, but when I
got upstairs, I saw the bathroom and figured a shower would be good first.
After I got out, I collapsed on the bed and fell asleep.

      The following day was completely different than the day before.
Since I didn't have school or work, I didn't have to do anything.  When I
finally woke up, it was a little after ten, so I threw on some of Todd's
shorts and headed downstairs for some cereal and some TV.  When I arrived
in the kitchen, the bowl of cereal I poured the previous morning was still
on the island with the open box standing next to it.

      I closed the box and threw it away after tasting how stale the cereal
had become and went to the pantry for another choice.  It wasn't my
favorite cereal, but it'd do.  Looking in the fridge, I realized I still
didn't have any milk and forgot to buy some the day before.  Running back
upstairs, I threw on my shirt and my shoes, without socks, and grabbed my
wallet and headed down to the closest store for some milk.

      After arriving back at the house, I poured myself a bowl of cereal,
with milk finally, and went to the living room and flipped on the TV.
After a while of flipping and not finding anything on TV that Saturday
morning, I popped in a movie and enjoyed that.

      That's just about how the rest of the day went, just watching movies
and relaxing.  That night, Todd and I got on our computers with the webcams
while we talked on the phone.  It was nice to see each other, but we both
missed the kisses and touching.  Luckily, Martin never showed, so we were
able to get a little frisky on the webcams, which I must say, it wasn't the
real thing, but damn if it didn't work to get me off seeing him in all his
naked glory.

      After we both had our orgasm, we talked for a bit longer then said
goodnight.  I went to the bathroom and took a quick shower, then came back
to my room and crawled into bed dreaming of Todd.

      The following morning, mom came in about nine thirty and woke me to
tell me they were back.

      "Wow, I didn't expect you until after noon," I said sitting up,
bringing the sheet with me to keep myself covered.

      "Neither did we, but we both woke up around four and just decided to
hit the road.  There wasn't a lot of traffic so we made pretty good time."
Seeing me yawn, she added, "Go on back to sleep if you want, I just wanted
to let you know we were home."

      "It's okay.  I'm awake now," I said rubbing my eyes.  "I'll be down
in a few minutes."

      "You want some breakfast?" she asked, standing and walking to the
door.

      "Please, and if you don't mind, can you show me how to make scrambled
eggs and pancakes?"

      "Sure," she said confused.

      "I tried to make pancakes the other morning and it was a disaster.  I
just want to learn for next time."

      "Okay, be down in five minutes."

      "Thanks, mom."

      She left and I got up and got dressed and headed down for my first
cooking lesson.

      Todd and I texted each other all day and about two in the afternoon,
his roommate showed up and he said he'd talk to me later.  I texted him
back telling him okay.  I settled down on the couch next to dad and he and
I watched a movie as mom went upstairs to nap.  After the movie he asked
what I wanted to do next.  I looked at him and said I wanted to take a dip
in the pool and asked if he wanted to join me.

      He agreed and we both headed towards the pool.  He stopped at the
hall closet and grabbed a couple of towels and followed me out the door.
At the pool, we both stripped down and jumped in.  The water was nice and
the sun was just down behind the trees so we weren't blinded by the bright
sun as we both did about twenty laps then leisurely floated around in the
water to cool down.

      We talked for a bit, just about the news and stuff, and then he asked
me how I was doing.  I told him about what happened to me on Friday and he
said he didn't blame me for just coming back home.  I asked about their
time in New York and he told me about what they had done, where they ate,
what they saw and so on.  From the way he talked, he and mom had a great
time; he then admitted that he almost teared up, knowing they were leaving
Todd behind.

      "I know it's not the same, you being his father, but like everyone's
telling me: just focus on Christmas."

      "I know.  It's only four months, and it's not like we won't talk to
him, but it's gonna be strange not having him around as usual."

      "I know," I said.  "Hey," I remembered what Pax had told me about
inviting mom and dad on their next trip, so I told him the news.  "I talked
to Pax a couple days ago and he told me that he and Tristian were having a
great time in France and he said that when they go back, they were going to
take you and mom with them."

      "France, huh?  I've never been there.  I bet it'd be amazing."

      "Yeah, he said that they were having the time of their lives.
Knowing Pax, it'll probably be a yearly thing with them.  Some exotic
vacation once or twice a year."

      "Well, it's good that he and Tristian have each other.  They haven't
been together for too long, have they?"

      "No, just about four months or so.  They met right after Todd came
out to his friends."

      "I just hope it works for them.  They seem happy together.  But..."
dad said, trailing off his thought.

      "But what?" I asked, curious.

      "I was just thinking.  What if Tristian likes Pax for his money?"

      "He didn't know about the money until just a few weeks ago.  He asked
Tristian how he felt and Tristian told him.  Todd and I were there.  Pax
knew it was heartfelt honesty coming from Tristian, so that's when he told
him about the money."

      "What was his reaction?" dad asked.

      "He was speechless," I said smiling.  "He couldn't believe what Pax
told him.  He asked him if this was American money he was talking about."

      Dad gave a chuckle and said, "Yeah, well, it's kinda hard to believe
when someone tells you news like that."

      "Yeah, it was for me when he finally told us.  I couldn't think of
anything to say.  I just dropped my jaw and stared."

      "Well, at least he can have the time of his life, now that he has
someone to share it with."

      "And believe me, I think he is," I said, getting out of the water and
grabbing a towel.

      Dad followed suit and did the same.  As he was drying off, I couldn't
help but sneak glances at his body, knowing Todd would probably look just
like his father in a couple decades.

      Once we finished, we grabbed our clothes, all except for our shorts,
which we put back on, and headed back inside.  As we walked in the door, I
heard my cell ring upstairs.

      "That's Todd," I said, running up the stairs.

      "Tell him we said hey," dad yelled after me.

      I got to the phone and pushed the button and said hello.

      "You are not going to believe what I've had to go through today," he
said.

      "Whatever it is, it doesn't sound good.  What's wrong?"

      "Are all Martin's homophobes?" he asked me.

      "You've got to be kidding me.  What happened?"

     	"He walks in and puts his things down and I go up and shake hands
and introduce myself, then offer to help him with the rest of his stuff.
We go down and help his father unload the car and bring everything up and
he tells his dad goodbye.  After getting everything settled, he starts
looking around the room.  Do you remember that picture that Kelly took of
us on prom night at the restaurant with her phone?"

      "Yeah, why?" I asked, puzzled.

      "He came over to my desk and picked it up and asked if you were my
brother and I told him that, `no, you were my boyfriend."  He paused.

      "And?" I prodded.

      "He completely freaked.  He put the picture back down and told me
that he had specifically asked to be housed with anyone but a gay person.
I tried to reassure him that things would be cool and he'd have nothing to
worry about, but he kept going.  Then he threw in the Bible."

      "Oh, God.  What'd you do?" I asked, rolling my eyes and laying back
on the bed.

      "I don't know it that well, so I really couldn't fight him on it, but
I asked him, if it was so wrong, why did God make me this way?  He started
in again and said He didn't.  Said something about the devil and walked
out.  About half an hour later, he came back, furious.

      "Out of curiosity, I asked him what's wrong.  He looked at me for a
few seconds, then after a few more seconds of silence, he told me that they
couldn't move him because the dorm was full.  I asked about another dorm
and he snapped at me saying they were all full, and unless someone else
complains about their roommate, then all of them, the students and
administrators, sit down and talk and see if a switch would be okay, he'd
have to stay with me."

      "So, what's he doing now?" I asked.

      "No clue.  After that, he left.  I haven't seen him for a few hours.
I met up with another guy I met yesterday and told him about what was going
on and we've been talking for the last couple hours."

      "Honey, I'm so sorry.  Why do people need to be assholes?"

      "I don't know, but I think I got one of the bigger ones," he
explained.

      "Well, my advice would be to just avoid him, if you can, stick to
yourself while in your room and don't go back there unless you need to
study or sleep or something."

      "That's my plan, I think.  Just gotta see how things play out."

      "So, who's this friend you were talking to?"

      "Name's Chuck.  Cool guy from Alaska."

      "Alaska?  What the hell is he doing in New York?"

      "He told me he just needed to get away from the wilderness.  He's
been here for four days already.  Told me he's already seen everything in
New York and hadn't slept but about four hours since he arrived."

      "Did all he have to look at was the forest?" I asked, gigging.

      "From the way he talked, yeah, I think so."

      "Soooo... Is he cute?"

      Before he could say I word, I could picture a smirk on his face
telling me I had nothing to worry about.  Then he opened his mouth, "You
have nothing to worry about.  He's straight."

      "Okay, but is he cute?" I asked, smiling big, giving him a hard time.

      "Actually, just a bit cuter than you," he said, and I could hear the
smile.

      "Dick head," I said in retort.

      "Yes, he's cute, but like I said, he's straight.  And besides,
there's only one guy who I have my eye on."

      Smiling big, I asked, "Oh, yeah?  Who's that?"

      "Well," I could hear the playfulness come back to his voice.  "He's
about six foot, maybe a bit taller."

      "Really?" I asked.

      "Oh yeah, and very handsome, beautiful blue eyes."

      "Sounds cute, so far."

      "Oh, he's more than cute.  Absolutely stunning to look at, very
funny, very smart, especially in math."

      "What color is his hair?" I asked, smiling still.

      "A light brown, parted down the middle, with the ends just a bit too
long, but it's actually kinda sexy."

      "Nice," I said.

      "And his name is Bruce."

      "Damnit, you're an asshole," I said, laughing.

      "Had to make sure you were paying attention."

      "Well, I was."

      "Oh, I did forget to mention one more thing."

      "Yeah?  What else does Bruce do for you?" I asked, emphasizing the
name.

      "That I'm completely in love with you.  For now, and always."

      I turned over in bed and smiled and said, "I love you too, Todd.  I
miss you already," I said, letting my smile fade.

      "Me too, baby."  At that second, I could hear, in the background, the
sound of a door opening and I figured the asshole was back.  "He's just
come back, I guess I better go."

      "You want me to debate the Bible with him?  You know I can."

      "No," he said, giving a chuckle.  "It's okay."

      "Put his ass on the phone.  I'll take care of him for you."

      In a whisper, he said, "So, it's okay for you to fight my fights, but
I can't fight yours?"

      "That's different.  I needed to prove myself, if it ever came to it,
this would be just words, and after seventeen years on never missing church
and knowing the Bible, I could take him."

      "Thanks, but no.  I'll take care of myself."

      "Fine, but when I get to come and visit, I'll beat him up for you."

      Todd laughed and said, "We'll see.  I gotta go.  Take care.  Love
you."

      "Love you, too.  Night."

      With that said, Todd hung up and I did the same.

      I felt sorry for Todd, having to put up with his Martin, but being so
far away, there wasn't anything I could do.

      The following day, I made it a point to get up early and run like
Todd and I used to do, then I got home just in time to get a shower and get
to school.  After school, I went on to work to bullshit with everyone until
my shift started, sometimes, dropping by Starbucks for coffee for everyone,
first.  Then after work, I would go down to the gym and start my workout
routine.  I got to know a couple of regulars there and they helped me with
my regimen and showed me how to define, not just work out, parts of my
body.

      After my two hours of gym time, I would go home, being freshly
showered at the gym and get into Todd's basketball shorts and a tee shirt
and then hang out with mom and dad until the phone rang, then run upstairs
and talk to Todd, or rather listen to him bitch about Martin.  It got
tiring after the third night of listening to him, but he needed to vent, so
I decided that the first fifteen minutes would be devoted to the venting,
but then we would talk about other things.

      After the phone calls, and sometimes even with the webcams, I would
usually strip and go on to bed, but sometimes, I would go back down and
tell the parents of Todd's current ordeal.  That became my routine over the
next four months, and on the weekends I decided to not go to the gym.  It
gave my body some time off and usually, I spent at least one weekend day
with Pax and Tristian and kept them up to date on Todd.

      In September, Todd and I were talking and using the webcams, not
doing anything sexual, but because Martin wasn't around, we decided to take
advantage of the privacy and just stare at each other while talking.
During a webcam/phone conversation, there was a knock at the door and it
was his friend, Chuck.  Todd brought him over to the computer and handed
him the phone and introduced us.  We talked for a few minutes and then he
handed the phone back to Todd.

      I told him that he was right, and that Chuck was cute.  He laughed
and told me that they had plans to go down to the coffee shop down the way
and do some studying.  I told them to have a good time and let him go.

      October rolled around with my routine still intact, and with me about
fifteen pounds heavier with muscle, which I must say was looking pretty
good.  Anyway, Todd didn't talk too much about Martin anymore, `cept to
tell me how he's getting on Martin's nerves.  When I asked how, he
explained that Martin was a prude and would never show his body.  Always
fully clothed, he would say, so he figured he would get under Martin's skin
and after his showers, he would walk out of the bathroom completely naked
and Martin would throw a hissy fit.

      He told me he knew it aggravated him, that's why he did it.  He even
started sleeping naked, which Martin hated.  I told him that he shouldn't
be so mean, even if Martin didn't like it.  And he explained to me that he
only started aggravating him after he had called him a fag.

      "Oh, shit.  What did you do?" I asked, knowing how much he hated that
word.

      "I walked up to him, and he kinda flinched backwards in his chair and
I put my hands on the arms of his chair and said, `If you want to see me
explode on your ass, and I'm not talking sex, say that word again,' then I
stared at him, three inches from his face, waiting."

      I couldn't help but laugh and I asked, "What he'd do?"

      "He kept his mouth shut and looked away.  He was real uncomfortable,
if not scared.  He's not nearly as big as me, and I think he thought I was
gonna hit him.  But I guarantee he'll never say it to me again."

      "Oh, I've seen that face before.  As mean as you look, he'd be
stupid.  That's the only time you've ever really had me worried.  I was
afraid that you might actually hit Paige that day, and if I hadn't held you
back, God knows what you would have done to Bobby."

      "Yeah, well, nothing happened thank God.  Anyway, now I just subtly
piss him off."

      "You really should stop."

      "Not until he apologizes about calling me a fag.  When he does, I'll
stop."

      "Did you tell him that?" I asked, being serious now.

      "I shouldn't have to.  If he wants it to stop, he'll figure it out.
Otherwise, he'll always be a prick."

      "Don't you think that if he could stop you from being naked; which I
don't know why anyone would want to," I said, with a smile in my voice.

      "Ha, ha, very funny," he retorted.

      "...And if you told him that all he had to do was say he was sorry,
then he would do it."

      "Oh, I'm sure he would, but it's more fun this way.  At least, for
me."

      "I hope I never piss you off," I said.

      "I don't think you can, baby boy."

      "Let's hope not," I said.

      "Well, I hate to cut this short, but I got a test on Monday."

      "What subject?"

      "Your favorite," he said.

      "Having any problems?  I can help you out if needed," I offered.

      "Nah, this year's pretty much okay.  I understand how to get the
answers, but it's showing the work without screwing up.  That's the hard
part."

      "Oh, that was easy for me.  It's like a puzzle to figure out."

      "You're good at math, and I'm good at football.  How `bout you play
on the team for a year and I'll work on my math."

      "Are you kidding?  Those guys would crush me."

      "Exactly, but unless you tried, you'd never learn how to play, now
would you?"

      "I get your point, mister.  Well, I'll let you go.  Study hard and
I'll talk to you soon."

      "Talk to you tomorrow night, Blake.  Sleep well and tell mom and dad
I said hey and that I love them."

      "I will.  I love you."

      "You too," he said, and hung up.

      That night, I decided to fill the parents in the next day and went on
to bed.

      The following day was Friday and it started out like every other day.
I got up and ran, came back and showered, headed out to school and when I
was done, I headed to work.  When I got there, Pax was sitting in his car,
waiting for me.  When I parked and got out, he walked over to me.

      "What are you doing here?" I asked.

      "I need your help with something?"

      "Sure," I said.  "What's up?"

      "I need to get some new suits made and I want your opinion."

      I looked at him with a quizzical look and asked, "You need my opinion
on some suits you're going to get?"

      "Yeah," he said, shoving his hands in his pockets.

      "Well, I gotta work.  Can it wait until this evening?  I could skip
the gym."

      "Actually no.  I have an appointment time.  Listen, I've already
talked to Joe and he said that you can have the day off."

      "What about Tristian?  Can't he go with you?"

      "He is, but sometimes he can be such a fuddy duddy when it comes to
clothes.  I need someone young to help me."

      "Are you sure Joe gave me the day off?" I asked, still skeptical.

      "Yeah, go in and ask if you want."

      Eyeing him for a few seconds more, I walked to the door, and opened
it and asked Joe if what Pax was saying was true.

      "Yes, go.  We got it for today," he said.

      I came back to Pax and said, "You got something up your sleeve," and
gave him a look.

      "No I don't.  I just need some help with the suits."

      "Yeah, right.  So, what time's the appointment?"

      "Noon," he answered.  "Listen, just leave your car here and come with
me."

      I locked up my car and got in Pax's SUV and we headed back to his
place.  Waiting in front was a limousine.

      "What's the car for?" I asked.

      "To start us on our journey," he said, with a sly smile.

      "I know you got something up your sleeve," I said to him, but he just
smiled back.

      Parking the SUV, we got out and Tristian was walking out of the
apartment at that point.

      "Ready?" Pax asked of Tristian.

      "Yeah."  Looking at me, he said, "Hello, Blake.  How are ya?"

      "Confused," I said, giving Pax another look.

      "Ah, don't be confused.  Just enjoy the ride," Pax said.

      "I've never been in a limo before," I said.

      "Oh, you'll just love it," Pax said and opened the door.  At that
moment, the front door opened and the driver got out, ready to come back,
but Pax told him it was okay, that he had it.  The driver got back inside
and I jumped in the opened back door and sat on the side seat, taking in
the luxury of the limo.

      After Pax and Tristian got in, the car pulled away and I was acting
like a kid in a candy store.  I pushed buttons, and flipped switches and
moved to all the available seats that were empty, just to see what it felt
like to ride sideways and backwards.  All the while, Pax was staring at me,
smiling.

      About twenty minutes later, we got off the interstate at the airport
exit.  Noticing this, I asked, "Why are we going to the airport?"

      "For my tailor's appointment."

      "He works at the airport?"  I asked.

      "No," Pax said.  "Washington, D. C."

      "What?" I asked, panic starting to settle in.  "I can't go to D. C."

      "Why not?  I already talked to Christine and she said it would be
okay."

      "But I don't have any clothes?" I said.

      "So, we'll buy you some," he responded.

      I looked at him for a few seconds and smiled and asked, "How long
have you had this planned?"

      "A couple of days.  We just wanted to get you away from the city for
a weekend."

      "And you knew about this?" I asked of Tristian.

      Giving a guilty look, he smiled and said, "Yeah.  Just enjoy the
weekend.  Think of what you'll tell Todd next time you talk to him."

      I looked back out the window and asked myself, `I wonder how far New
York is from D. C.?'

      If Pax or Tristian heard, neither one answered my question.

      After arriving at the drop off at the airport, the driver came around
and unloaded the bags.  Once things were removed from the car, Pax gave me
two bucks to go and get one of those carts for the luggage.  I obliged and
was back in five minutes.  After loading it up, I followed them through the
doors and asked what airline we were taking.

      "Paxton Airways," he said over his shoulders.

      "I've never heard of it," I said.

      "That's because we're taking a private jet.  I call it that, because
I'll be on it."

      "A private jet?" I asked.  "This is going to be so cool."

      I followed them to a counter that said `Private VIP'.  Pax talked to
the agent then turned and asked for my driver's license.  I handed it over,
and within five minutes, our tickets were printed and someone came over and
took control of the luggage cart.  When I realized that was his job, I let
go and we all followed the young man through security and then down the
elevator to the terminal train.

      We got off at the D terminal and followed the young man past the
escalator through a door in the back.  After swiping a badge through a
reader, the door opened.  Once inside, it was amazing.  It was like walking
into a fancy hotel lobby.  There were a few people waiting around an unlit
fireplace, straight ahead.  To my left was a room for smokers and to the
right was a small bar that served what looked like appetizers and drinks.
There was an older woman sitting there, swigging her clear drink and she
gave me a smile and lifted her glass as I walked by.  I nodded and
continued to follow everyone; trying to keep up was the problem.

      We arrived at another desk and the agent behind the counter asked for
the tickets.  After Pax handed them to her, she said, "Mr. Andrews and
party.  The jet's just arrived.  If you'll follow Ted, he'll show you to
it."

      She handed the tickets back and we all followed Ted, the one who took
over the luggage cart from me, to the tarmac.  Once outside, I saw a faded
green carpet leading to the jet.  I couldn't help but smile the whole way.
This was so exciting.  Once we got to the stairs of the plane, Ted motioned
for us to climb them and enter.  I couldn't wait and I was the first up the
stairs.  Behind me, I heard Pax tell Tristian that he acted the same way
the first time he got on a private jet.

      I ignored them and continued my climb and once inside, I didn't know
what to do first.  In the back, there was a desk and a lamp on it.  In
front of that, was a couch against one side of the plane and on the other
was two recliners, leather seats facing the couch.  In front of that, on
both sides of the jet, was eight recliners, leather, swivel seats, four on
each side, facing each other around a small table.

      I went and sat on the couch first as Pax and Tristian took two of the
four seats near the entrance door.  As Ted was putting up the luggage, a
young man came from the cockpit and introduced himself.

      "Hello.  My name is Mark.  I'll be your flight attendant.  If there
is anything you need, please just ask."

      From the back of the jet, I said, "Thanks."

      He smiled and headed back up towards the cockpit.  Once Ted was done
loading us, Pax thanked him and handed him a tip before his leaving down
the stairs.  When he was gone, Mark came back from the cockpit area and
pulled the stairs closed.

      "Is everyone ready?" he asked.

      "Almost," Pax said, and stood.  I could see him whisper something to
Mark, but I was still too busy looking around to care what it was.

      "Sure thing, Mr. Andrews.  If you guys would just buckle up, we'll be
taking off in just a few minutes."

      "Blake," Pax called.

      "Yeah," I said, looking towards him.

      "Get your little butt up here and buckle in.  We're just about to
leave."

      I looked around again, as I was walking up and when I got there, I
sat in the seat next to the window.  I was bouncing in my chair like an
impatient child on Christmas morning waiting for his first gift.  I kept
looking at Pax and Tristian and telling them that this was too cool.

      "Yeah, I know.  The first time I got on a private jet, I was just as
excited as you are.  It was very cool.  I was nervous as hell, but once I
got inside, everything just kinda fell into place and I relaxed."

      "Where did you go the first time you took a jet?" Tristian asked.

      "I flew to San Francisco.  Never been before, and I figured, `why
not?'"

      We got silent, with me still looking out at the tarmac, when the
captain came over the loudspeaker and announced that we would be the forth
to take off and that we should be in the air in about ten minutes.

      "Do I have time to pee first?" I asked Pax.  "I guess I got a bit
excited."

      "Why don't you wait until we're up in the air?  This way, you won't
get banged around in the bathroom."

      "I guess I can hold it," I said, looking back through the window.

      The plane took off and we were up in the air, on our way to
Washington.  I went and used the bathroom then came back and lay on the
couch for a few minutes.  It was actually very comfortable, and then Pax
told me that it actually pulled out to lay flat so that it could be used as
a bed.  I was so startled, that I got up and looked around it and found a
button on the side and pushed it.

      The couch started to hum and then the seat slowly and mechanically
lifted up, then the back started to lower down, until it was finally laying
flat.  Pax walked over and I looked at him and said, "This is so cool," and
then crawled on it and lay on my back.

      "Is it comfy?" Pax asked.

      "Very.  Lay down with me," I said, scooting over to give him room.

      He followed my invitation and was lying with me.

      "This is more comfortable than my bed," he said, closing his eyes.

      "Yeah, I know.  Mine too," I offered.

      Tristian came over with his camera and started to take a few
pictures.  Pax ended up grabbing me and we were hugging each other in a
couple pictures, then he turned over and pulled my arms around him,
spooning him.  We were having a good time, just goofing off when Pax said
he'd need to get up before he fell asleep.

      "You go right ahead," I said.  "I might just get me a quick nap."

      "Okay.  I'll wake you before we land."

      "Thanks," I said.  Looking around, I didn't see any pillows and found
the button to call for Mark.  I reached over and pushed it and Mark
emerged.

      "Yes, sir?" he asked, putting his hands behind his back, smiling.

      "May I get a Coke and a pillow, please?"

      "Certainly," he said, and walked to the back of the plane and grabbed
a pillow.  "Would you like a blanket?"

      "No, thank you.  Just a pillow."

      He walked back and handed me a pillow then told me he'd be back with
my drink in a minute.  On his way up, I heard him ask Pax and Tristian if
they would like a drink.  Pax ordered a Cosmo and Tristian, a vodka tonic.
Within three minutes, my Coke had arrived and I took a sip and got
comfortable.

      "Wake up, Blake.  We're about to land," I heard Pax say as he shook
me.

      I rubbed my eyes and sat up.  "How long did I sleep?" I asked.

      "'Bout an hour," he said.  "Come on.  Get in your seat and buckle
up."

      I stood up and pushed to button to turn the bed back into a couch,
put the pillow on the seat cushion, grabbed my coke and went up to my seat.
Settling back in the recliner, I put the glass in one of the cup holders on
the table and looked out the window.  The city below me looked much bigger
than I imagined.

      "Where's the White House?" I asked.  No one answered.

      I scanned the city and then looked back at Pax and Tristian and said,
"I didn't know that D.C. had so many tall buildings.  They don't show any
on T.V."

      I saw Pax grow a big smile on his face, and I knew something wasn't
right.  I looked back out at the city and scanned it for anything that
would help me recognize it.  Then I looked down and saw a big lady holding
a torch.

      "Is that New York?" I asked, snapping my head back to the two of
them.

      "Surprise," Pax said.

      "I'm gonna see Todd?" I asked, still flabbergasted.

      "That's the plan," he said.

      "Pax's booked us two rooms at the Plaza Hotel for the weekend.  As
much as you talk about missing Todd, we wanted to do something for you."

      "Does mom know?" I asked.

      "Yeah.  She thought it would be a great idea.  Told us to send him
their love," Pax answered.

      I looked back out the window and said to myself, `I'm gonna see
Todd.'

      I watched as the city got bigger and bigger, then finally the captain
came over the speaker and told us we were about to land and to make sure we
were buckled up.  I tightened my seatbelt just a bit tighter in
anticipation of our landing.  Still looking out the window, I asked, "Does
Todd know?"

      "No, I hope you know where he is, because we're gonna surprise him,
too."

      "I know he's in a dorm," I said, giving a weak smile, not really
remembering.

      "Please tell me you know where he is," Pax said.  "I so wanted to
surprise him too."

      "If we have to call and tell him, then we will," Tristian said.

      "I know, but I really want to see his face," Pax said.

      "That would be sweet," I said, imagining his face when he saw us.

      I thought a bit longer and was trying to remember the name of the
dorm he told me about.  "I know it's on a park.  Washington Square Park, I
think.  He told me it's next to a Starbucks."

      "Maybe..."  Looking at Pax, Tristian asked if he got a car for us, or
were we taking a taxi?

      "A car.  I don't particularly like the taxis in New York."

      "Well, maybe the driver will know which one it would be," Tristian
offered.

      "I think it started with a G, but I'm not a hundred percent sure," I
said, still trying hard to remember.

      "Well, let's not worry about it until we talk to the driver,"
Tristian said.

      A few minutes later, I was looking out the window as we started our
approach and finally landed.  Once on the ground, the plane taxied up to
the VIP gate and, once stopped, Mark was there to lower the stairs.  As we
stood, he told us that someone would be right up to get our bags and
thanked us for flying with them.

      Pax and Tristian thanked him for his help during the flight and Pax
gave him a tip as a bonus.  I followed the other two and down the stairs I
went, across the tarmac and in the VIP lounge to check in.  We waited for
the porter to get our bags, and he led us to the main entrance to the
airport.  As we were coming up the stairs, Tristian saw a sign with Pax's
name on it.

      "Oh, good, the car's here waiting," Pax said.

      He walked up to the driver and gave his name and the driver took the
cart from the porter then Pax handed him a tip as thanks.  Once our bags
were in the back and we were in a very nice stretched Cadillac, the driver
asked where we were off to.  Pax, noticing my excitement, moved closer to
the driver and asked if he knew which dorms of NYU were on Washington
Square, instead of telling him the Plaza Hotel.

      "Well, there're two of them.  You got Hayden Hall and Goddard Hall,"
he answered.

      "Goddard Hall," I yelled out.  "I think that's it.  Is there a
Starbucks next to it?"

      "Sure is, sir."

      "That's the one," I said, certain I was right.

      We enjoyed our ride through the city.  Tristian and I were busy
looking around at the city as it passed as Pax watched us with enjoyment.
I couldn't believe how tall some of those buildings were, but they were
amazing.  When we finally arrived, I now knew the meaning when someone said
`the concrete jungle'.  Truly spectacular.

      I felt my heart race with the fact that I was going to see Todd after
what seemed like years, but knowing it was only a few months.  As I stepped
out, I started walking towards the front door, but noticed that upon entry,
everyone was showing their ID to the guard on duty.  I stopped and turned
towards Pax.

      "This won't work.  We won't be able to surprise Todd."

      "Why not?" he asked.

      "There's a guard.  He's not just going to let us go in and find him.
He's gonna let him know we're here."

      "You do make an excellent point," he said, scratching his forehead.

      At that moment, I thought I saw a familiar face, and started towards
the man I thought I recognized.

      "Excuse me," I said to the guy with a blue bag over his shoulder.

      He turned and answered, "Do I know you?"

      "If you're Chuck from Alaska, you do."

      He stared at me for a minute and gave a puzzling look.  "I'm Chuck,
but I'm afraid I don't remember who you are."

      "I'm Blake, Todd's boyfriend from Atlanta.  We met on the phone and
webcam," I explained.

      A look of instant recognition came over him and he said, "Yeah, now I
remember.  How are you?" he asked, extending his hand.

      "Great, now that I'm here.  How about you?  You doing okay?"

      "Oh, yeah, never better.  Loving the city and the school.  This is
the best place on Earth."

      "Awesome," I said.  Noticing Pax and Tristian walking up behind me, I
said, "Chuck, this is my friend Pax, and his partner, Tristian."

      "Pleased to meet you both," he said, shaking their hands.

      "So, you guys here to see Todd, I assume," he said.

      "Yeah, well, we have one little snag.  See, this is supposed to be a
surprise but he never mentioned the guard at the entrance.  Will he just
let us in without notifying Todd?"

      "Hell, no.  These guys are sticklers about security.  But hey, I'll
sign you guys in and after Todd's surprised, he'll come back and clear
things up."

      "Oh, my God, would you?" Pax asked.

      "Sure.  It'll be my pleasure.  Follow me, oh," he said, and turned
back towards us, "Get your licenses out and ready.  He'll have to hold them
while you're here."

      As we started walking, the three of us got our ID's out and went
through the front door to the guard station.

      "Afternoon, Mr. Mason.  I have some friends that are here to surprise
someone," Chuck explained.

      "And who are they here to see?" he asked of Chuck.

      "Todd Blyth.  Room 16-F."

      "Mr. Blyth should be down here checking them in, then," he said.

      "Mr. Mason, they just flew in from Atlanta, here to surprise him.
Let me be responsible for `em.  If anything happens, then you can blame me.
After they find Todd, then he'll come back down and fix things up.  Deal?"

      Mr. Mason looked us over then finally back at Chuck and exhaled, and
said, "Make sure nothing happens, got it?"

      "Will do, Mr. Mason.  Thanks."

      He showed his ID, and then Mr. Mason told us to sign in and asked for
our ID's to hold while we were inside.  We went over to the elevator and
got in as Chuck hit the button for the sixteenth floor.

      "He's gonna be so surprised to see you guys, I'm sure.  He's been
talking about being a bit home sick, so this is gonna make his day."

      "Oh, I hope so," Pax said.

      "Me, too," Tristian echoed.

      At the sixteenth floor, the door opened and Chuck told us to follow
him.  When we arrived at 16-F, he told us to stand back a bit so Todd
couldn't see us just yet.  He knocked on the door and called Todd's name.

      The door opened and a voice said, "TV lounge," then the door promptly
closed.

      "Asshole," Chuck said to the door.

      "Was that his roommate?" Tristian asked.

      "If you can call him that, yeah.  C'mon, he's upstairs in the
lounge."

      We got back on the elevator and he punched the button for the
twenty-fifth floor.  Up the elevator went, until it reached its
destination.  Once there, we walked out and followed Chuck around a corner
until a big TV came into view.  There sitting on the couch, with his back
to the hall was Todd.  I could recognize him anywhere.  Chuck told us to
walk up behind him, and to wait for his cue.  We did as he instructed and
before Chuck walked around the couch, he put his finger to his lips to tell
everyone else to stay quiet.  Rounding the couch, he took a seat next to
Todd as the three of us walked up behind.

      "Where ya been?  You were supposed to be here fifteen minutes ago," a
girl asked.

      "I know, I got held up."

      "With what?" Todd asked.

      "I had to get something for you," he explained, looking at Todd.

      "Like what?" Todd asked.

      I took that as my cue and bent over and asked, "Don't you have a math
test to be studying for?"

      Todd turned around and his eyes got as big as saucers.  "Blake," he
cried and stood and climbed over the couch to get to me, instead of walking
around.  Once he cleared the couch, he practically jumped in my arms.

      "Oh, my God, what are you guys doing here?" he asked, letting me go
and giving Pax and Tristian a hug.

      "Hopefully, stealing you away from your friends for the weekend, if
they don't mind," Pax answered with a hopeful look on his face.

      Behind us, we heard a few people say it was okay, and Todd turned
around and started the introductions.

      "Guys, this is my boyfriend, Blake," he said, and touched my arm.
"And these guys are Pax and his partner Tristian."  Looking back at us he
said, "And guys, these guys are my study partner and friends."  He started
at the left and pointed to each person as he introduced them.  "This is
Andy, Michael, Sarah, Mary Anne, Kimberly, Katherine, James, and of course
you know Chuck."

      "Good to meet you all," I said.

      "It's so nice to finally put a face to the name.  For a while there,
I thought his boyfriend was nonexistent," Kimberly said, as she walked up
to us to shake hands.

      "Unless he's talked about someone else beside Blake, then, no, I'm
real," I said, smiling at her.

      "I thought you said his name was Bruce," James called out.

      "Would you shut up?" Todd said, playfully.  "He doesn't know about
him."

      "Oh, my bad," James said, laughing.

      Todd turned back to me and asked why I didn't let him know we were
coming.

      "I thought we were going to D.C.  Pax met me at work and told me we
were going to get him some suits, and then he told me it was in Washington.
By the way, we flew up here in a private jet.  Just the three of us."

      "Awesome," Todd said, looking at Pax.

      "Yeah, anyway, when we got here, I looked out the window and asked
where the White House was.  I didn't know we were coming," I concluded.

      "Always with the surprises, huh, Pax?" Todd said and walked over and
put his arm around Pax's back.

      "Well, the boy here was talking about how much he missed you, so I
figured, why not?  To tell you the truth, we were starting to miss you
too."

      "And I missed you guys.  I really love it here, but I miss home, a
lot."

      "Are your classes done for the day?" I asked of Todd.

      "Just got one left.  It's not for a couple hours still.  What do you
guys wanna do?"

      "We still gotta check in at the hotel.  We got two rooms..." Pax
said, trailing off his sentence to put a point across to Todd.

      "Well, then, I guess I better pack an overnight bag," he said.
Turning back to his friends, he asked, "You guys really don't mind if I
skip group today?"

      "You think you'll be okay with the test on Monday?" Mary Anne asked.

      "Blake here is about three classes above us, so if I have any
questions, he'll help me out," Todd said, beaming.

      "I thought you said he was a year younger than you," Andy said.

      "He is," Todd answered.

      "You've already taken Calculus two?" James asked.

      "Yup, took that in tenth grade.  For my junior year, I went to GSU
for Statistics I.  Would have been in Statistics II this year, but I passed
it up.  Wasn't mandatory."

      "Then we have a problem for you that we can't figure out the work
on," Michael said.

      "Sure," I said, walking around the couch and took a seat.

      "Listen, I'll be back in a few minutes.  I'm going to pack my bag,"
Todd said.

      "Need some help?" Tristian asked.

      "Not really, but you're welcome to come and see my room.  It's not
much, but it's a room."

      Tristian excused himself from us and went with Todd down to his room,
while Pax stayed up with us and took an empty chair as I helped the group
with their problem.  Michael opened the book to the problem they were
focused on and as soon as I saw it, I knew the answer.

      "Oh, that's easy," I said, without thinking.

      "Maybe to you," Sarah said, with a slight attitude.

      Realizing my mistake, I said, "Listen, guys.  I'm sorry.  Math is
like a second language to me.  Once I see a problem, it's almost
immediately that I know the answer.  I know it's hard for some people, but
to me, it's just like breathing."

      "So, just looking at the problem, what's the answer?" asked
Katherine.

      I scanned the problem and said, "Zero vector."

      Katherine looked at the back of the book and found that I was
correct.  "That's amazing, but how did you know?"

      I asked for a pen and some paper and solved the problem for them,
telling them each step along the way.

      "How could we not have seen that?" Chuck asked.  "It was right there
in front of us."

      "I've had problems that I couldn't figure out.  What I did, was take
a break from it, for like five minutes, then came back and did each step
and checked each one before moving on to another.  Sometimes the stress of
all the calculations messes with your brain.  Take a deep breath and relax
and try again, checking each step as you go.  I tell you, it really does
work."

      At that moment, Todd and Tristian re-emerged from around the corner.

      "Todd, don't ever make him mad, okay?" Andy said.

      "Okay, why?" Todd asked, confused.

      "Because we might need his help in the future," Katherine explained.

      Todd laughed and said he'd promise to stay on my good side.  Looking
at me he asked, "So, are we ready to go?"

      "Yeah.  Did you bring your Calculus book?" I asked.

      "No, I left it in the room."

      "We'll get it on the way down.  We're gonna do a little studying this
weekend.  You need to ace that test."

      Not even arguing he said, "Fine."

      Turning to the group, I told them that it was a pleasure meeting them
and that if they needed some help have Todd call me.

      "Thanks, Blake.  Believe me, we might just do that," Chuck said.

      Pax and I stood and followed Todd and Tristian back to the elevator.
On the way back down, we stopped by his room and got his book.  As he
opened the door again to leave, we all heard sniping coming from his
roommate.

      When Todd got to us Pax asked, "Is that the homo hater?"

      "Yup, that's him," Todd said, giving a long, breathy sigh.

      Pax started walking towards the door and said, "Let me at him.  I'll
teach him a lesson or two."

      Todd grabbed his arm and stopped him and I started towards the door
as well.  Todd reached out his other hand, grabbed my arm and asked,
"Where're you going?"

      "To help Pax," I said.

      "Neither of you are going to do anything.  He's just an asshole.
Nothing you can say would make any difference, plus, there might be
ramifications later that you guys won't have to deal with."

      "He's right," Tristian said.  "Just let it go.  Todd can handle
himself."

      "I know, but I'd love to debate him on the Bible," I said.

      "Ohhh, that might be fun to watch," Pax said smiling.

      "Wouldn't it?" I said back.

      "There will be no debating," Todd said.  "Now, let's go.  I still
have another class later."

      "Fine," Pax said and turned back around and headed back towards
Tristian.

      As we walked, Todd put his arm across my back and we followed the
other two back to the elevator.

      When we got out on the street, Todd started to call a taxi over, but
Tristian stopped him and told him we had a car waiting.  He pointed to the
Cadillac, and Todd smiled.  Getting in, we all got settled and the driver
asked where to.

      "The Plaza Hotel, please," Pax answered.

      "The Plaza?  I haven't been there, yet," Todd said.

      "It one of the best in town," Pax answered.

      "What time is your class?" I asked Todd.

      "1:30," he answered.  "There's a subway stop near there, so I can
just catch that back."

      "Nonsense," Pax interjected.  "You can use the car.  It's not that
far away."

      "Yeah, but it would probably be quicker using the subway."  Turning
to me, he asked, "Hey, you wanna come with?  It's Calculus."

      "Sure," I said, kinda excited.

      "You'll like the professor.  Real nice guy.  He's helped me out a few
times."

      "Cool," I said, and grabbed his hand and held it in mine.

      On the remaining part of the ride, I was busy looking out the window
as the city passed as Todd's thumb continued to rub the top of my hand.
The three of them would talk a bit, then quiet down, all while I was trying
to take in all the sites I could as they whizzed by.

      Once we arrived at the Plaza, the chauffer parked and started around
back as a doorman opened our door for us.  Pax was the first to step out,
leading the way for us to follow.  When we were all out, the bags were
carried by two bellmen who led the way to the front desk.

      Walking up those stairs, I felt like I was about to enter a palace.
Everything was so grand.  I was almost afraid to touch the hand rail for
fear I might leave a fingerprint.  I can just imagine that after every
guest someone must come and wipe it down.  I smiled at myself for such a
weird thought.

      The doors leading into the hotel were on either side of a big
revolving door.  As Pax and Tristian chose the pull doors to enter through,
I pulled Todd through the revolving door.  He smiled and dropped my hand,
and after I stepped through, he followed in the compartment behind me.
When we both were through the door, Pax looked back and called our names.
We caught up with them and continued our sightseeing tour through the
lobby.

      When we arrived at the counter, a tall, handsome, lanky man spoke
first.

      "Ahh, Mr. Andrews, welcome back to the Plaza Hotel," and stretched
out his hands to shake Pax.

      "Why, thank you, Pierre.  It's nice to be back," he said and grabbed
Pierre's hands in welcome.

      I looked at Todd and asked, "Has he ever mentioned coming to New York
to you?"

      "No," he answered.  "You?"

      "Nah uh," I said, and turned my attention back to the desk.

      "I see you have friends with you today," Pierre said, seeing us three
behind Pax.

      "Ah, yes, Pierre.  This handsome man is my partner, Tristian
Bergeron," Pax said, starting the introductions.

      "Very pleased to meet you, Mr. Bergeron," Pierre said and reached for
Tristian's outstretched hand.

      "And these two rascals are very good friends of mine from Atlanta.
This is Todd Blyth and this is Blake Moore."

      "It's a pleasure to meet you both.  To meet all of you.  Any friend
of Mr. Andrews is always welcomed at the Plaza."

      "Good to meet you, too," I said.

      "Well, Mr. Andrews, what brings you back to our wonderful city?"
Pierre asked, looking at his computer, hidden under the desk counter.

      "Todd is going to school here and we all started missing him,
especially Blake, so we decided to come in for the weekend to visit," Pax
explained.

      "Well, I see that you have two rooms this weekend, both with king
size beds, is that correct?"

      "Yes, sir," Pax answered.

      "Wonderful," Pierre said.  "It looks like your usual suite is
available; would you like to have it this visit?"

      "No, give that one to the boys.  Put us anywhere.  I want them to
have that view this time."

      "The suite across the hall is available, with a view that's just as
magnificent.  Will that be satisfactory?"

      "That would be wonderful, Pierre, thank you," Pax said.

      "My pleasure, Mr. Andrews.  Anything for one of my favorite guests.
Now, would you like to use the same card as last time or do you need to
update anything on your account?"

      "Actually, I want to change cards.  The other expired," Pax said,
pulling out his wallet.

      As he did, Pierre said, "Ah, you're right.  Just a few months ago I
see."

      "Yes," Pax said, handing over the card, "And can you also add these
three to the account for a room here anytime with approval to use that card
for all charges?"

      "Of course, Mr. Andrews."  Reaching under the desk, Pierre produced a
piece of paper and said, "If you would just list their names here and sign
the bottom, I'll make sure that accounting gets this straight away.
Everything should be in the system by this evening."

      As Pax was filling out the information, Todd and I continued to look
around at the magnificent lobby around us.  It was bustling with guests,
coming and going.  The restaurant across the marble floor was full, with
people being turned away at the door.

      I heard Pierre thank Pax for the paper and then explained that Bobby
and Chris would be happy to bring our bags up.

      "You remember the floor, right Mr. Andrews?"

      "Of course.  One of the best views from that floor," Pax answered,
smiling.

      "May I be of any further assistance?" Pierre asked.

      "Actually, there is one more thing.  Could you please have all the
liquor removed from their mini bar and replace it with..." Turning to us he
asked, "What drinks do you want?"

      I looked at Pierre and asked, "Do you have any Mello Yellow?"

      "Alas, Mr. Moore, we don't.  But we do have Mountain Dew.  Would that
be acceptable?"

      "Yes, sir, please."

      "And for you, Todd?" Pax asked.

      "Some Coke, Diet Coke and bottled water would be great," he said.

      "It shall be done, immediately," Pierre said, smiling big.

      "Thank you, Pierre.  Also, please give these boys anything they need.
There is no limit this weekend," Pax explained.

      "It will be my pleasure, sir."  Pierre motioned for Bobby and Chris
to join us at the desk.  "Here are the room keys," he said, handing each of
them a key.  "Please escort our guests to their room and give them anything
they need."

      "Thank you, Mr. Mobley."  Turning to us, Chris continued, "If you'll
follow us, we'll be happy to escort you to your rooms."

      With that, they both turned, carrying our bags in their arms and
hands, leading us to a bank of elevators.  Pax remembered one more thing
and turned back to Pierre.  "Also, Pierre, seven o'clock in the Oak Room,
if possible?"

      "Consider it done, Mr. Andrews."

      "Thanks again, Pierre."

      Pax turned back towards us and Bobby and Chris turned and finished
our walk to the elevators.  They chose the far left and swiped a badge over
a reader and the doors popped open.  We walked in the elevator and Bobby
hit one of two buttons on the panel.

      "The penthouse?" I said, looking at Pax.

      "What else?" Pax said, smiling.

      "They have two penthouses?" Todd asked.

      "Well, they have the Presidential suite, is that correct?" he asked
of one of the bellmen.

      "Oh, yes sir.  We have the Presidential suite and three junior suites
on this floor," Bobby explained.

      "We don't have the Presidential..." Todd began.

      "At fifteen thousand a night, no," Pax said, smiling.

      I mouthed the words fifteen thousand, thinking he meant hundred, but
he nodded at me, confirming the price.  I couldn't believe it.  I almost
couldn't breathe.  I looked at Tristian, and even he swallowed big at that
price.

      A few second later, a nice soft chime let us know we had arrived on
our floor.  Bobby and Chris walked out and we followed.  Turning to the
left out of the elevators, I looked down the hall and didn't see any doors.
I saw two alcoves at our end of the hall, both in the middle between the
end of the building and the elevator hallway.  I turned and looked behind
me and saw the same on the other end.  If there were only four rooms on
this floor, I couldn't wait to see just how big our room was.

      When we got to the entrances to the room, which were directly across
the way from each other, Pax pointed at the room to the left and said,
"This one is yours, boys.  I hope you like it.  It's overlooking the park.
Spectacular view."

      Turning to the bellmen, Pax explained which bags when to which room,
and the two guys had to juggle a couple of bags around, but when they had
the right bags for the right rooms, they each produced the key cards and
opened the doors.  When they were opened, they each motioned for us to
enter first.

      Upon walking in the room, I only made it a few feet before my body
froze from the size and beauty of the room.  Taking a wild estimate, I
figured it was bigger than our home in Atlanta.  As I stood, taking in the
view of the room, Bobby, our bellman, walked past, excusing himself, and
into an adjacent room.  When I saw him disappear, I followed out of
curiosity.

      Rounding the corner and entering the other room, I took an audible
breath at the sheer size of the room itself.  Bobby went over to the closet
and opened the doors and placed our bags on one of the shelves.  When he
did, Todd looked at me and said, "That closet is bigger than my dorm."

      "We could get lost in there," I said, teasing him.

      "Is this your first time at the Plaza?" Bobby asked.

      "Yes, sir," I said.

      Bobby gave a small smile at the formality.  "Then let me tell you
just a bit about the room and hotel.  Through these doors," he said,
walking to a pair of French doors and opening them, "is the bathroom with
separate shower and tub areas, with dual sinks."

      Turning around, he started walking back to the living room by which
we entered.  "On the other side of the living room are a dining room and a
kitchen with a full-size refrigerator, dishwasher, china and everything
else you might need."

      "A kitchen?" I asked, surprised they would offer one.

      "Yes, sir.  Also, if you need anything, please just dial eight
thousand.  We have two butlers on this floor, twenty four hours a day."

      "Butlers?" Todd asked.

      "What do butlers do?" I asked.

      "Anything you need, they can handle for you.  Down on the fifth floor
is the pool and full gym.  On the third floor is the Oak Room.  I heard you
already have reservations for that, I hope you enjoy it."

      "I'm sure they will," Pax said, walking into the room, followed by
Tristian.

      "Great, then.  Is there anything else that I can do for you?" Bobby
asked, looking at Todd and myself.

      "I think we're good, thanks," Todd answered.

      "My pleasure, sirs.  Have a great stay at the Plaza.  If there is
anything anyone can do, please just ask."

      As he turned, Pax extended his hand and gave Bobby a tip.  He thanked
Pax and quietly closed the door behind him.

      "So, what do you think?" Pax asked.

      "It's amazing," Todd said.

      "Yeah, it is," I echoed.

      "Have you seen the view yet?" he asked us.

      We walked over to the windows and pulled back the sheer curtains that
covered the glass and looked out over the park.

      "Oh, wow, that's beautiful," Todd said.

      "It's just amazing," I said, looking at the park and surrounding
skyline.  "I never imagined that New York was this big.  I mean, I knew it
was big, but I had no idea.

      The four of us ended up staring out the window for a few more minutes
before Tristian suggested that he and Pax go back to their room.  Pax
called out and reminded us that the reservations were at seven for dinner
and told us it was formal.

      "Pax, I didn't pack anything, remember?  I don't have a suit to
wear," I said.

        "Oh, right.  I did forget that little detail."  Looking at Todd, he
asked, "You didn't by any chance bring a suit with you to New York, did
you?"

      "Yeah, I brought one, but I don't have any ties.  That's the one
thing I did forget."

      "I can handle that.  How about the three of us go and get you a suit
for tonight while Todd's at class?"

      "Seems like a good idea.  Next time you come up for a visit, maybe
you can go to class with me," Todd explained.

      "Yeah, okay.  Any particular kinda tie you want?" I asked.

      "Anything but plaid."

      "My dear boy, what makes you think that I would let you wear plaid?"
Pax asked.

      "I just wanted to make sure.  After class, I'll stop by the dorm and
get my suit."

      "Perfect," Pax said.  "Just don't be late to class.  We'll talk to
you soon."

      Pax and Tristian said goodbye and went back to their room.  As soon
as the door closed, Todd grabbed me and placed his lips upon mine.

      "I've waited for the last hour to do that," he said, breaking the
kiss and smiling at me.

      "Me, too, now do it again," I said and smiled back.

      To Be Continued. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .