Misty Moonlight 2 Brian wasn’t sure if his blond boy would be seen while he was in New York and he had resigned himself to missing the times they shared together while he was there. There was a full moon that night as he left the restaurant to walk back to Vic’s apartment, and Brian wasn’t paying attention to anything around him. His mature look and his steady walk told everyone he was a native and he strutted down the busy street, lighted signs flashing, sirens sounding, all the usual New York sounds, when he noticed his young blond watching him and clapping his small hands in excitement as he saw the lights and the people that were around Brian. Brian himself laughed out loud at the joy that was reflected in the small boy’s blue eyes. He resolved then and there that whenever he could, he would find something interesting for his young friend to see, something that the child wouldn’t see in Pittsburgh. Brian stopped in front of the window of an art gallery. He looked at a painting set in the window and he noticed the interest the child took in it. He started to move away and the boy gestured for him to stay, so he did until he couldn’t stay any longer lest he attract the attention of the kind of people who prey on the loitering and unwary. Clapping his hands with glee, the child was delighted with the New York street scenes he saw as Brian continued to walk toward Vic’s apartment. He only faded away, retreating to his own world, when Brian walked into the lobby of the apartment building. But not before they had traded waves and blown kisses. “Hey Brian,” Vic began when his young guest walked in. “Deb called, you’ve got everyone in an uproar, not knowing where you are.” “I wrote some postcards and sent them out today. I found them in the junk store down the street. They’re from Hawaii.” “That should give them something to think about.” Vic said. “Of course the New York postal cancellation could give you away.” “Nope, the guy at the mail drop said they’ll send them to their Hawaii office and they’ll be mailed from there. He said people do stuff like that all the time and it was only three dollars extra.” “So you thought of everything.” “Not everything Vic, I don’t know what I’m going to do about the next three years of high school. If I go back to the Pitts, my parents won’t let me stay in school once I turn sixteen. Jack’s already got a job lined up for me at the plant.” “I think we can arrange something Brian.” Vic said. “Why don’t I talk to Deb, see if you can spend the school year at her place. You could use my room; I know Michael would drive you crazy with the way he keeps his room.” “He is kind of untidy.” Brian admitted. “Do you think Deb would let me stay? I couldn’t pay her much, only some of what I make at the diner.” “I think she’ll let you stay. You can help around the house. I know you’re a lot handier than Michael is when it comes to repairs. You keep putting your money in the bank for school, I’ll pay your board and you can pay me back someday when you’re rich and famous and I’m a tired old fag who’s sick of baking.” “You really mean that Vic?” Brian asked. He walked over and caressed the older man’s cheek. “I could show you my appreciation.” He offered. “Much as I’d like to Brian, Deb would have my balls if she ever found out. I’m not saying I’ll be so pious in a few months when you’re sixteen. But for right now, you are off limits to me.” “No one would find out Vic.” “You don’t know my sister.” Vic laughed. “Go to bed Brian, in your own bed. I’ll see you in the morning. And Brian, don’t worry about September, it will all work out.” Brian went to bed. He lay on the small bed that was tucked into a corner of what had been Vic’s storage room and thought about what his life had been and how he’d managed to get where he was now. One thing he knew for certain, illusion or not, the vision of the small blond boy had kept him from flying apart. When ever he was tempted to do something that he knew he shouldn’t, trusting blue eyes kept him straight. Vic had been a good friend. He’d seen that Brian was hired at the hotel and while he wasn’t old enough for the dining room, he had been given a job in the coffee shop. Like the diner, he brought in more than usual in tips. Brian’s good looks appealed to both the men and the women who stopped in the busy restaurant. He stroked his cock thinking of one of the hot waiters that worked the dining room. He was only a few years older than Brian, but the smoldering glances he was throwing Brian’s way, meant that the next few weeks would be interesting indeed. He fell asleep, his hand on his cock thinking of hot summer nights in the city and hot bodies in the night. Brian knew that the next night was a full moon again. He was busy working his shift but still trying to think of ways to entertain his little blond friend. He was startled when someone put their hand in the middle of his back as he stood near the kitchen door. “Oh” Brian said when he turned. It was the guy from the day before, only he was dressed casually. “Hi, I’m Chad” the young man said. “I work in the dining room.” Brian smiled at him. Chad was as tall as he was only he wore his hair to his shoulders in a mass of brown/black curls. When he worked it had been tied back in a pony tail. “Hi, I’m Brian.” “You’re not from around here are you?” Chad asked. “Well, I’m not from New York if that’s what you mean. I’m from Pittsburgh” “Yeah, I thought your accent was a bit – well a bit strange.” “Accent?” Brian hadn’t really noticed. “If you plan on going anywhere in the future, I’d get rid of it if I were you.” Chad offered this bit of advice. Brian looked taken aback. “I have to get back to work.” He was thinking that the guy had some weird ass way of picking him up, insulting his accent, which he didn’t think he had. “Your shift ends soon, do you want to come with me to a place I know?” “I’m only fifteen, you know that right?” Brian said. “You look older.” Brian raised his eyebrows. “How old do I have to be to get into this place?” “Twenty one.” “I can do twenty one.” Brian said. “I don’t know,” Chad looked at Brian hard, “Oh why not, I’ll meet you outside in half an hour.” “Are we going to be late? I’ll have to call the guy I’m staying with.” Brian didn’t want any of the waiters to know he was staying with Vic who was their boss. “Do you have a curfew?” “Not really, but I think he’d worry about me if I don’t call. He gets up real early; I don’t want him staying awake to wait for me.” “That’s cool. Tell him we’re going to Boomer’s. He’ll know where it is. Do you have to work tomorrow?” “Yeah, but I have the late shift.” “Great, so it doesn’t matter how late we are. It doesn’t get moving until almost midnight.” “Then I can go home and shower and change.” “Come on over to my place, it’s just down the block. I can lend you something hot to wear to the club, something that’ll make you look twenty one or so hot the door guys won’t give a shit.” “If you’re sure.” Brian was a bit overwhelmed with Chad and his generosity not to mention suspicious of his reasons for wanting Brian to come with him. He went back to working, the coffee shop had filled up with after - theater people and it was almost forty five minutes before he could hand over his shift to the night guy. Before he went out front to find Chad, Brian took the garbage out to the dumpster. He stood looking up at the clear sky, what he could see of it between the tall buildings, when the moon went behind a bank of clouds. It shone down with its light filtered and suddenly there was his blond laying on his bed, only something was wrong with him. He was tossing and turning fitfully, his small body twisting. Brian could see that the boy’s face and neck were drenched in sweat, his hair plastered against his skull. The boys’ mother came into his room, her face twisted in worry. She smoothed back his hair and wiped his face with a damp cloth. Brian was frantic. He began to pace the alley. He wanted to help the boy. “Brian, what are you doing out here. Let’s go.” It was Chad, he’d come looking for Brian. “I can’t, something’s come up Chad.” Brian didn’t turn to face Chad. He couldn’t take his eyes off the scene unfolding in front of him lest it fade away. He couldn’t last a whole twenty four hours without knowing that the child would be okay. “What’s come up? I’ve been waiting.” Chad put his hand on Brian’s arm, but Brian shook him off. “It’s personal Chad. Look, you go on, I’ll try and do it another night. Tonight just isn’t good for me.” “I should have known. You might look like you’re all grown up, but you’re just a kid from the country.” Chad spat out in disgust before turning and walking up the alley to the street. “Yeah, whatever” Brian said off hand. He slumped against the dumpster desperate to do something for the blond boy. The boy’s mother got up from the side of the bed and walked out of the room. Brian could see that the small boy was crying quietly. Instinctively Brian began to sing the words to a song his grandmother used to sing to him. Over in Killarney, Many years ago, Me mither sang a song to me In tones so sweet and low. Just a simple little ditty, In her good ould Irish way, And I'd give the world if she could sing That song to me this day. Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, Too-ra-loo-ra-li, Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, Hush, now don't you cry! Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, Too-ra-loo-ra-li, Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, That's an Irish lullaby. Oft, in dreams I wander To that cot again, I feel her arms a huggin' me As when she held me then. And I hear her voice a humin' To me as in days or yore, When she used to rock me fast asleep Outside the cabin door. Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, Too-ra-loo-ra-li, Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, Hush, now don't you cry! Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, Too-ra-loo-ra-li, Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, That's an Irish lullaby. At first Brian’s voice was shaky; he hadn’t sung anything in years. He wasn’t even sure he remembered the words right. But his voice was true and his heart was pure with love and concern for his small vision, real or not. Surprisingly the boy quieted and stopped crying. He turned in his bed, his eyes opening and he flashed Brian a tear filled smile of thanks. Brian continued to sing the words until the blue eyes closed and the small boy slept. Brian was content now that the boy was sleeping. He put his hands in his pockets and walked down the alley whistling the tune he’d just sang. It would have been interesting to go with Chad, but his young friend’s welfare was more important. After all, the blond child had seen Brian through some pretty bad times since his thirteenth birthday. Giving up a night at a club was the least the teen could do for him. Brian reached the front entrance of the building he lived in at the same time as Vic was arriving home. “Hey Vic, you’re out late.” “I had a date.” Vic said and laughed at the look on Brian’s face. “Queers can have dates you know Brian. I took a guy to the movies and we had coffee after.” “That’s like a real date.” Brian agreed. “It is. I like this guy. His name is Roberto.” Vic smiled serenely. “If I didn’t have to get up at four in the morning, the date might have ended a lot differently. As it is he thinks I’m the perfect gentleman.” “Cool, that could work out good for you.” Brian said with a laugh. “I got asked out tonight to a place called Boomers.” “That’s a wild club Brian. It doesn’t have a good reputation. There’s a lot of drug use and I’ve heard that there’s been some accusations of forced sex. I’m glad you didn’t go.” “It didn’t feel right, but something came up or I might have gone.” Brian admitted. “I guess I’ll tell the guy no the next time.” “You can see for yourself Brian; I’ll take you there sometime. But I wouldn’t go there unless you’re going with someone you trust. A lot of strange stuff happens in this city.” “I understand Vic. I’ll be careful.” Brian smiled at his friend and headed for his room. He wanted to spend some time going over what he’d done tonight to get the small boy to sleep. ‘Was it possible that his lullaby had actually been heard by the child?’ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ In the city of Pittsburgh, in another dimension or alternate universe or just another world – however you’d like to think of it when time folds and allows multiples of life as we know it to go on; each person being governed by time and circumstance to live their life and choose the paths that they will walk forever. In this world a small boy sits at the desk in his room drawing, the words of an old fashioned lullaby on his lips as he intently renders his almost four year old version of the events of the night before. “Justin, what in the world are you singing?” his mother asked when she decided to investigate her son’s activities. “A feel good song,” Justin replied not looking up. “A feel good song?” “It makes you feel good when you sing it to someone who is sad.” He explained. “Did you hear it when you were watching Barney?” the purple dinosaur’s show was full of singing, though the show wasn’t one of Justin’s favorites. “Moooom, Barny’s dumb.” Justin shook his head, intent on drawing the boy who was his night time friend. Jennifer laughed and dropped the subject. The lilting melody to the old Irish lullaby firmly stuck in her head. She was happy to see that Justin had recovered from his allergy attack. They were becoming more and more severe and she knew he was going to have to start a more aggressive treatment soon. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ The summer in New York passed quickly for Brian. He had increased his bank account considerably and had even managed to have a few adventures with Chad and a few others from the hotel. Word had spread that he was Vic’s guest. Brian wasn’t sure how everyone knew, but he suspected that because of this knowledge, when the others took him out, they made darn sure he was okay, teaching him all the ‘rules’ for survival in the clubs. Never leave your drink alone, always keep your thumb over the top of your bottle. Never accept drugs from anyone other than your friends. And sex, sex was great. None of the guys at the clubs had any idea that Brian was fifteen and he learned from the best. Vic kept Brian supplied with condoms and insisted that if he was going to have sex, that he had to promise to always wear a condom. Chad instilled in Brian a rule that he would follow for years to come. Never do anyone twice. It kept ugly confrontations to a minimum when he had sex with the ‘clingy’ type of guy. Brian refined this rule later in life, but this is where it began, in New York City the summer he was fifteen. The end of August arrived and it was time to return to Pittsburgh. Vic and Brian took the bus together. Vic because he was unsure if Brian would actually return and Brian because he had made a promise to both himself and Vic and he never broke his promises. “Hey Brian,” Michael was waiting at the bus depot. “Uncle Vic, over here.” He jumped up and down and waved. “I got my license and mom let me use her car to pick you guys up.” “I’ll drive to Deb’s Michael.” Vic began. “No way, I want to drive. Do you know how much I had to beg to get the car?” Michael asked. Brian laughed and so did Vic. “I can just imagine.” Vic answered as he threw his duffle bag into the trunk along with Brian’s. “Hey Mikey, what’s new?” Brian asked. “How come you’re talking different?” Michael asked. He looked at Brian curious as to why his friend seemed so different. “I didn’t know I was.” Brian replied though he’d worked hard getting rid of the Pitts out of his voice. One of Vic’s neighbors had been a voice coach and had traded lessons in voice for work around his apartment. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you where I was.” “You asshole, you had everybody thinking you were in Hawaii. Nobody could figure out how you got there. Was your dad ever pissed – I bet he still thinks you were there.” “Well, I never told him different,” Brian said. “He says you have to go home. That you can’t live with us,” Michael looked glum. “He says you have no say about it until you’re sixteen.” “Why the fuck does he want me there? He spent the last fifteen years trying to get rid of me.” “Mom says it’s because everybody in the parish is cutting your parents down about you running away. They all know what Jack Kinney’s like.” Brian looked at Vic. “So I have to live there?” “We could go to the courts and get you made a ward of the court and Deb could apply for custody.” Vic said. “No, I’ll go back to Jack and Joannie’s. But I’m out of there when I turn sixteen. There is no way I’m quitting school and working in the plant.” Brian’s face was a study in mutiny. For once he looked his age instead of older. “Brian, I’m sorry. If there was any other way.” Vic’s voice trailed off. “I know Vic. I know you meant well and if Jack still wants me to quit school when I turn sixteen, then I’ll take you and Deb up on the offer of living at Deb’s.” he turned to Michael. “Do you think Deb will have me back at the diner? I still need the money.” “Yeah, expect to get yelled at, but she’ll have you back. She wouldn’t let Carlos hire any one else in your spot.” Michael said. He looked at Brian. “So did you get laid?” Brian’s eyes twinkled. “Oh yeah.” “Brian is a bit of a slut.” Vic agreed. “You’ll have to slow down now that you’re in the Pitts. They won’t be quite so ready to let you into Babylon when they know your age.” “Are you going to tell?” Brian asked. “Yes. You need to concentrate on your school work if you want to get that scholarship. Keep your dick in your pants until after you graduate. I’ll even let you come back to New York for the summer.” “Can I come too Uncle Vic?” Michael asked. “Think about it Michael, do you want to be the one to tell Deb that you’re spending the summer in New York with me?” “You could ask her?” Vic laughed. “Let’s get Brian home.” He turned to Brian. “Are you coming over for dinner on Sunday? Deb will be calmed down by then.” “I’ll be there.” Brian promised. They had arrived at his house. His father’s car was missing from the driveway and Brian breathed a sigh of relief. At least he didn’t have to face him right away. He got out of the car and waved goodbye to his friends(,) watching until the car disappeared around the corner, putting off the inevitable for as long as he could. “Mom, Brian’s back.” The strident cries of his sister could be heard out on the sidewalk where Brian stood. Sighing, he lifted his duffle bag and headed to the side door, knowing better than to come in that entrance being reserved for visiting priests and friends of his parents. He walked in the door and stood for a moment in the familiar kitchen. “Go to your room” his mother said in greeting. “Some things never change, do they mother?” Brian replied. He went to the fridge and pulled out a carton of milk. Grabbing a glass from the cupboard he poured himself a full glass and drank it down, keeping his eye on his mother and sister. “Jack out getting pissed?” He asked conversationally. “If you were in Hawaii, how come you don’t have a tan?” Claire asked. “Don’t believe everything you read Sis.” Brian drawled. He rinsed out his glass and walked out of the kitchen and up to his room not looking at either his mother or his sister. Brian continued to maintain his honor’s status during his next year at the High School despite the fact that he was a year younger than his classmates. Christmas came and went and the year progressed much as Brian’s life had from the beginning. Only now he had three nights of every month to look forward to. He marveled at how quickly the small blond boy progressed. Brian figured he had to be four years old now. Often he would ask Brian to sing the lullaby, making his needs known by gesture and Brian, unable to resist the golden smile, would always give in though sometimes the words were barely voiced as he didn’t want anyone in the Kinney household to hear him. It didn’t matter, no matter how quietly he sang, the words always soothed the small boy to sleep. Brian was looking forward to his sixteenth birthday with dread. From what his father had let drop at the dinner table, he fully expected that Brian would be quitting school immediately after his birthday no matter that Brian said otherwise. Brian’s birthday was in two days. It was on the last day of the full moon that month so he knew he’d see the small boy. The thought of the sunny smile was the only thing that made the date bearable. His father was becoming progressively worse especially when he was unable to relieve Brian of any money he might have made in New York or now that he was in Pittsburgh, money he made from the diner. Except for a small amount of spending money, Brian put everything in the bank and he kept the bank book at Debbie’s so his father wouldn’t learn about the account. No amount of shouting, threatening or beatings, could make Brian give up what he’d saved. By the time the eve of Brian’s birthday had arrived, he bore the bruises and fat lip that he’d received that week like badges of honor, which pissed his father off even more. Brian refused to give in, he stood tall and even swaggered when near his old man. He’d never let him think he could be beaten into obeying. The week before his birthday, Brian had systematically removed anything he wanted to keep from his room at home under the cover of darkness and moved it into Vic’s old room at Debbie’s. So on this night, he had very little left in his room. It was going to be his last night under his father’s roof. Brian was whistling his young friend’s favorite lullaby while he read The Grapes of Wrath. He was on his bed, his back against the headboard. Tomorrow he’d be sixteen and free from the Kinney’s not to mention that Vic was coming to town and had promised him a night he wouldn’t forget at Babylon. It wouldn’t be easy getting away from Michael, but Brian had it all figured out or at least he thought he had. Wind outside his window began to whip tree branches back and forth against the glass. The sky darkened and his bedside lamp flickered. Then, he could hear it. He could hear Aniqua’s voice coming from the wind. Over and over she repeated the same phrases as if she wanted to make sure that Brian understood. Another year and six by six by three – the flame of love kindled by thee – soft words of comfort crossed the void - - the gift returned to be enjoyed. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Justin may have only been four years old, but he was a very intelligent and precocious young child. He could see that something was happening to his friend. Every time they visited in the last three months, his friend had been hurt. It was breaking Justin’s young heart and he didn’t know what to do. He did know that it was his friend’s birthday. So he thought about a surprise and hoped he could do it. He wasn’t sure, but he had to try. He went into the kitchen to find his mother. “Mom, can I help you make little cakes?” He climbed up on a kitchen stool and leaned on the counter. “I want chocolate ones with sprinkles and pink icing.” He said matter of fact. Jennifer laughed. “I suppose we could make some cupcakes.” She began to assemble the ingredients. Soon mother and son were enjoying themselves in the kitchen. When the cupcakes had cooled, Justin carefully spread the tops with cherry icing and then added multi colored sprinkles. “Can I have a candle?” Justin asked. He had a cupcake in his hand and was getting it ready to take into his room. “Why?” “It’s for a birthday cake.” “Justin you’re too young to have a candle. You know you can’t have a lit candle in your room.” “I’m not going to light it. That would be dangerous.” Justin said reasonably. “But it has to have a birthday candle.” His mother laughed at how serious he was. “I’ll give you a candle for it, but you have to promise, no matches.” She looked in the drawer, finally locating the birthday candles. “What color do you want?” she held out the package of multicolored candles. “I want the blue one.” Justin said with satisfaction. He stuck the candle in the centre of the cake. “It’s beautiful mom, thank you.” “You’re very welcome Justin.” Jennifer said with a smile. “Now don’t make a mess.” “I won’t.” Justin turned to leave. “I’m going to make a birthday card too.” “Is this for anyone special’s birthday?” His mother had to ask. “It’s for my very best friend in the whole world.” Justin turned and left the room, carefully carrying his birthday cup cake. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Where’s the money? I know you have it.” Jack Kinney threw open the door to Brian’s room. “I told you, I don’t have any money.” Brian shouted back. “I wouldn’t give it to you if I did have any.” “Watch your mouth Sonny boy” Jack took an unsteady step forward. Brian stood his ground. He knew what was about to happen and he knew that if he even flinched it would be worse. Afterwards he lay on his bed. A cut over his right eye was bleeding. He could feel someone looking at him and he looked up only to see the horrified eyes of his young friend. Seeing the look on the boy’s face, Brian knew that he’d witnessed Jack beating him. It was too much for Brian knowing that now his little blond friend had seen the ugliness that was his life. Never before had Brian cried, not since he was the age of his young friend, but he cried now. He cried for the loss of innocence in the blue eyes. He cried as if his heart was breaking. Brian’s head was buried in his pillow. He thought he could feel soft fingers rubbing small circles of comfort on his arm. Just before he cried himself to sleep, he was sure he felt a kiss on his cheek and the whispered words of his lullaby. Brian woke up stiff and bruised. ‘Happy fucking birthday to me’ he thought. His face stuck to the pillow, where the blood from his cuts had dried. One eye was swollen shut. He opened the other one and looked in astonishment at a cupcake sitting on his night stand. It had pink icing and multi colored sprinkles and stuck in the middle was a bright blue candle. Beside the cupcake was a hand made card. The front showed a picture of a brown haired person holding the hand of a shorter blond haired person. Brian figured it had to be him and his friend. Inside the words Happy Birthday, love Justin, were printed, the letters painstakingly drawn. Brian looked at the card over and over and at the little cake. It was his first birthday card and his first birthday cake. His eyes filled with tears, but he refused to shed them. He’d cried enough on this birthday. He picked up his pants off the floor where they had ended up and pulled out a lighter. He lit the candle and then making a wish, he blew it out. Sitting cross legged on his bed he carefully ate every bit of the cupcake, making sure he found each sprinkle as they rolled off. Brian was sure it was the best tasting cupcake he’d ever had in his life. Taking the small card, Brian folded it and put it in his wallet. He vowed never to part with it as long as he lived. Not bothering to shower or even wash the blood off of his face. Brian gathered up the last of his belongings, got dressed and walked out of his bedroom for the last time. He went down the stairs and to the astonishment of his mother and sister, walked past them and out the front door and down the street. He didn’t care who saw what Jack Kinney had done. He was through hiding his father’s acts of violence. He was through with living in this neighborhood. Arriving at Deb’s was like coming home for Brian. He’d long ago been given a key so he let himself in. It was still early enough that only Vic was up. Deb had left for work before day break and Michael was still sleeping. “Jesus Brian, he really laid one on you this time.” Vic got up from the kitchen table where he’d been reading the paper and drinking coffee. “It wasn’t so bad.” Brian shrugged off Vic’s words. “I’ve had worse. At least it’s the last time. The next time he comes near me, I’ll be on my own ground and he’ll get as good as he gives.” “Go get cleaned up. I’ll make you some breakfast.” Vic offered. “I’m just going to crash with Mikey Vic, if that’s okay. I didn’t get much sleep last night.” “You do that then Brian. The two of you can have breakfast later. Oh, and Brian, happy birthday,” Vic kissed Brian on the forehead. “You survived the last year, that’s some achievement. I’ll bake a cake for supper.” “You don’t have to do that Vic.” Brian said. He’d already had his small cake and he was content with that. “I know I don’t have to Brian. But I want to.” “Thanks Vic. I’ll see you later.” Brian turned and took the stairs two at a time, heading for Michael’s bedroom where he lay on top of the messy bed next to his friend and fell asleep almost instantly. He was secure in the fact that he could sleep safely. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Brian lay on his bed in Vic’s apartment once again and thought of the past few months. Mikey had been pissed when Brian had insisted on spending the summer in New York. He thought that he’d be missing out on a wild time, but in truth Brian wanted the summer in the city so that he would have access to the library and museums. It wasn’t just a summer of clubbing and working for Brian. He was at the beginning of his journey to succeed. And then there was his Justin. Knowing the boy’s name made him seem more real. Brian was still not sure whether his visions were some kind of weird split personality thing or whether there really was two or more alternate universes and that he’d been granted the gift of seeing into one. All he knew was that on the three days of the full moon each month, he could spend some time with Justin. And Justin, why did he feel so close to the boy? It made no sense, there was a twelve year age difference between them, yet he knew that they were linked together somehow. So for three days each month Brian didn’t trick and he didn’t party. Instead he looked for new and interesting things to show Justin wherever he might be. Justin loved New York. They were able to communicate somewhat now. Not quite talking to each other, but rather they knew what the other was thinking. And always Brian remembered the soft lips on his cheek. That was something he’d never forget. And on days that he would become depressed or just feel down, taking the folded piece of paper from his wallet, that little home made birthday card, always made him smile. Tomorrow he would leave to go back to the Pitts. Two more years of high school and he would be free. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ For the first time in his life, Brian looked forward to his birthday. He was about to turn seventeen. He’d been captain of the soccer team this year as well as the debating team. Their school had beat out four others in the region and had gone to the State Championships with debating team, coming in second. He’d seen his friend Mikey through his first teenage crush and his second and his third one. He’d finally had to sit him down and explain that just because some guy fucks you, it doesn’t mean you’re in a relationship. It means they fucked you and that’s the end of it. When he could see the inevitable fourth heartbreak, Brian called Vic and asked him to visit and have a chat with his nephew about life and love. Both Brian and Michael hung out on Liberty. For one thing they both worked at the diner and for another, it was great being among people who had the same sexual orientation. But Brian didn’t even try to get into the clubs. A birthday visit with Vic was enough. He’d decided that ‘slutty’ Brian would live in New York, and that while he was in Pittsburgh and in school, he’d keep his sexual activities to a minimum. Brian didn’t hide his sexual preference, but he didn’t flaunt it either. His athletic prowess kept any rumors to a minimum and he occasionally squired one of his female classmates to the dances held monthly at the school. Brian liked to dance and he knew better than to try and dance with Mikey while he was in grade eleven. The school year was almost over and his birthday was coming up. Vic was coming from New York and he planned on taking Brian and Michael camping for the weekend to celebrate Brian’s birthday. They’d gone on Michael’s birthday and had so much fun doing not much of anything in the woods, other than eating, drinking and listening to tall tales that Vic told, that Brian had asked if they could do it on his birthday as well. One of the nights there would be a full moon and Brian knew that Justin loved it the last time watching them by the firelight and listening to the stories and their off key singing. He’d even looked up a few good campfire stories to tell, to amuse Vic and Mikey but also for Justin’s benefit. Brian knew now that while he could see into the rift in the dimensions, no one else could, so as long as he didn’t say or do anything too weird, he could entertain Justin at the same time as being with a friend. Justin was five now and Brian could see that he would someday be a terrific artist. Even at five you could see the talent and Justin loved to show Brian what he’d been drawing. Brian and Michael were getting their camping gear assembled. Michael was chattering away about their great adventure and Brian was only half listening. He was wondering if Aniqua would show up with another cryptic message. Brian had bought a notebook and had written down each message including the first, or at least as much as he could remember. “Brian, are you even listening?” Michael asked. “I’m listening.” “Well, don’t you think that this is like issue twelve of the X(-)Men?” “What, the X-Men go camping with their gay uncle?” Brian smirked. “I must have missed that issue.” “Asshole” Michael turned back to the comics he was sorting. “How many comics should we take?” “None” “We’ll need something to do, we can read comics.” “We’re going camping for fuck sake. Don’t you remember last year – you spent most of the time worried about your damn comic books and refused to do stuff with me and Vic.” “It was raining; you know what the damp does to them.” “All the more reason to leave them here,” Brian looked at his friend. “You should listen to Vic. He’s read some great stuff and he done things that you and I will never have the chance to do living here in the Pitts. His stories are amazing.” “I’ve heard all of his stories. He’s old, what does he know?” “More than you,” Brian grumbled. “This is probably going to be the last time the three of us are together like this.” “There’s next year Brian. You aren’t going away until after your eighteenth birthday and how far can you go, I mean the University isn’t that far away.” “I’m thinking of Dartmouth.” Brian’s voice was low. “It offers the best business school and would be great on my resume. I’m applying there as well.” “Are you nuts? That’s like a million miles away and it’s like for rich kids.” “They offer a good scholarship if your grades are high enough.” “You’re crazy, stick to your own kind Brian. I don’t even see why you have to go to University anyway. There are plenty of jobs here and you could take night classes at Carnegie.” Brian didn’t bother to answer his friend. Michael would never understand why it was necessary to get a good education from a good school. He would be satisfied forever to stay in Pittsburgh, but Brian wanted more. He wanted to be rich and successful and most of all he wanted to be free from Pittsburgh. A few days later, the two boys were ready when Vic finally arrived. He spent a couple of hours visiting with Debbie and then they packed their gear in Debbie’s car and headed out for Vic’s favorite river camping spot. It was almost with relief that Brian hadn’t seen Aniqua in any of the places they’d stopped. It was unlikely he’d run into her in the middle of nowhere by the river. Later that evening, as the sun was setting, Vic, Michael and Brian finished gathering firewood for their night time fire. It had become an established tradition that they would spend some time telling stories around the warmth of the fire and something that Brian looked forward to no matter what Michael said. This was the last night of the full moon. Brian hoped that Vic’s stories wouldn’t be too scary for Justin to listen to. He’d have to quickly change it if it was. Justin looked to be about five and Brian didn’t want the boy to have nightmares. Vic lit a cigarette and settled down on the log he’d dragged over to sit close to the fire. Michael sprawled out on his sleeping bag and Brian, a few feet away from them both yet still close to the fire, sat with his back against a large rock, still warm from the day’s sunshine. The fire flickered brightly dancing above the ring of rocks. The smell of fire brewed coffee filled the air mixing with the sweet smell of roasted marshmallows and the acrid bite of tobacco. “Well boys, I heard this little story just the other day. I thought you both might be interested in it, Michael because it sounds like it might be out of a comic book and Brian because I sense something of a romantic soul in you.” “Yeah, right, that’s me, Mr. Romance.” Brian sneered his soon to be eighteen year old sneer. “Brian doesn’t even do boyfriends Uncle Vic.” Michael piped up. “Nevertheless, with his Irish background, Brian’s ancestry is full of romantics. He can’t help but be one no matter how much he fights it.” Vic smiled at his young friend. He sometimes liked to think of Brian as the son he never had and never would have. Brian smiled to himself at Vic’s words. He wouldn’t argue with his old friend, but he thought it unlikely that he was all that romantic. “The other night I was sitting in a bar near the hotel where I work. I’d had a beer and was thinking of leaving, I knew I needed to pack for this trip back to the Pitts, when this woman came in. Well the two of you know that the kind of bars I relax in generally don’t have many women wander in, and if they do, they don’t stay. Anyway, she came in and sat down beside me. She looked a bit mysterious, you know, dark curly hair hanging down her back, big dangly gold hoops in her ears, kind of dusky with bedroom eyes.” “I thought you didn’t notice women?” Michael said. “I’m not attracted to them. I still notice them.” Vic replied as he looked as his nephew and wondered for the hundredth time where he went wrong in helping his sister raise him. “Where was I? Oh yes, she sits down and signals the bartender. He comes over with a glass of red wine, like he knows her and then she begins to talk. This is what she said and believe me I thought it was very strange that she was even talking to me, but it was almost like she was talking to no one in particular. ‘Three thousand years ago there was a great all encompassing love shared by two souls. These souls, in the bodies of two of the greatest kings of the time, loved each other deeply. This was only one of many times that their love had come together throughout the ages, but it was not the kind of world that looked kindly upon the love of two men. The kings were very discrete. Both of them married and ruled their kingdoms fairly, though their hearts were heavy with longing for one another. One day, when King Jon was on a state visit to King Brea’s country, they couldn’t resist and came together for a day and a night of lovemaking. Unfortunately, Queen Mab, King Brea’s wife came back from hunting early and caught them. She called down a curse that separated their souls into two different dimensions, never to meet again. King Jon’s wife was more understanding, she loved her husband, but she had always known that his heart truly belonged to King Brea. There was nothing she could do about the curse except this one thing. Invoking the power of three, Queen Gwendolyn, and the wife of King Jon, a sorceress of long standing, invoked a counter spell. Every six hundred years, by the light of the full moon when night turns to day three times and the mists fill the shadows the two love crossed souls will meet. As long as their love remains true they will be together for these three days. But they must stay true for these three days, never missing even one or another six hundred years will pass before they are again together. Love true and pure can break through the barriers and reunite these souls. The reward for love true and pure will be an eternity shared, never aging, always loving, though sacrifices must be made as surely as the moon shines upon the land. From that time on, every six hundred years, the dimensions between the two lovers would open, allowing them to see one another. Until now, life has been harsh for these two and always something would interfere and cause one or another to miss opening their heart and eyes on a misty moonlit night, for true love like all loves requires nourishment to grow and survive. And once again the mists would close the window between the dimensions and once again their souls would languish for another six hundred years. But now, there is hope. I foresaw this when I first met an auburn haired young man with green eyes flecked with gold. Vic looked at Brian and Michael in the flickering firelight. “I asked her why she would even care, if this story was true. She told me that Queen Gwendolyn was her ancestor and that to ensure the reunion of this great love, the females of her family had been charged as watchers over the soul on this plain.” Vic laughed, “What do you think of that story boys?” “I think either you or the woman had one two many bottles of beer Uncle Vic.” Michael laughed. “But it was a good story.” Brian didn’t say anything; he was too busy looking at his young blond boy who had been sitting in the middle of his bed in the large bedroom, an ever present sketchbook on his lap. Justin waved his fingers at Brian and grinned. The smile as usual was infectious and Brian smiled back at him delighted at the dancing blue eyes. “What’s so funny Brian?” Michael asked. “It’s a great night, the moon is out and full, it’s not too cold, the bugs are tolerable and Vic tells a cool story, a perfect birthday campout.” “Good save” Justin said and Brian heard him clearly. Brian’s head went up; it was as if Justin was right there with him, the sound was so clear. It seemed every birthday; they could actually talk to one another, to communicate in words where gestures had had to be sufficient before. “I’m going to take a leak, I’ll be right back.” Brian stood up and started for the trees. “I’ll come too.” Michael said. “I don’t need you to hold it Mikey, I won’t be long.” Brian sprinted the last few feet and soon disappeared into the forest. He walked a few feet and sat down with his back against a broad pine and waited for Justin to once again appear. It didn’t always work, sometimes when he moved away from where the dimensional rift was, that was it until the next night. Tonight he was lucky. With the moonlight shining through the forest canopy, Justin slowly appeared. His sketchbook had been discarded and he sat on the edge of his bed holding a disheveled teddy bear. Brian smiled at him. “Hey Justin, I see you still have Gus.” “I named him for you.” Justin said. “You looked like a Gus to me when I was little.” Brian laughed out loud. “I thought I looked like a Brian.” “You do, but I like Gus.” Justin grinned again. “Gus is good to cuddle with. I bet you’re good to cuddle with.” ”I don’t know Justin, I’m pretty bony.” “It’s your birthday.” Justin declared. “It is.” “Do you like boys?” “Yes and girls.” “No I mean do you like boys better than girls?” Justin’s head was cocked to one side. “I do.” Brian was curious as to where this conversation was going. “Why?” “I wondered.” Justin put the bear down and picked up his sketchbook. “I made you a picture for your birthday.” “Thank you.” Brian said. He wondered how he was supposed to actually get the picture. No matter what he tried or how, he hadn’t been able to breach the gap between dimensions when he’d sung the lullaby or Justin had given him the cupcake. “When you go to sleep tonight, the fairies will bring it to you. They brought you your birthday cake last year.” Justin looked confident in his prediction. “I’ll wait.” “Brian, how old are you?” Justin looked at him expectantly. “I’m five, I had a birthday party.” “I’m seventeen, twelve whole years older than you.” “Twelve is more than me.” Justin looked sad. “It is more than you, but when you get to be a little older, it won’t seem so bad.” “Promise?” “Promise and I always keep my promises.” “I love you Brian.” Justin said with a sleepy smile. He got under the covers on his bed and tucked in his teddy bear. “Goodnight Jus,” Brian blew him a kiss, “sweet dreams.” Justin smiled and shut his eyes. “Later Brian.” He whispered. Soon his breathing slowed and Justin slept. “Brian, Brian, where are you? Are you lost?” Michael’s voice could be heard loud in Brian’s ear after the stillness of the woods. He was about to answer back when he heard: Six times six by four - Love’s touched two forevermore – Six times six times five – Each glance ensures love stays alive. Tbc.