Date: Sun, 6 Apr 2008 15:00:30 -0700 From: David Courson Subject: Quarterback with the Emerald Eyes - Part 9 This story is fiction. Any similarity to any persons living or dead is merely a coincidence. If you are not allowed by law to view this material, please do not do so. If you are under 18 years of age, please leave now. This is a love story between two barely under the age of 18, year old boys in high school. If that offends you, I apologize and ask that you not read any further. Otherwise, enjoy. Author's note: There was one email sent to me on Saturday April 5, 2008 around 9pm. It was in my junk email folder and I hit the button to report it as phishing instead of moving it to my in box. If you did NOT get a personalized response from me, then I would please ask you to write back. It was an honest mistake to delete your email. I will add you to the list when and if you resend your email. I am very, very sorry. Also, there is a Yahoo group for QB with the Emerald Eyes. There are photos of guys who you might think Blake or Todd looks like. Even submit your own if you have an idea. There are polls and just general messages. Please check it out at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Quarterback_with_the_Emerald_Eyes/ . Quarterback with the Emerald Eyes -- Part 9 In the morning, I woke before Todd. I was turned away from the door and didn't feel him against me. His arm was still being used as my pillow, but his body was sprawled out on the other side of the bed. I slowly turned, not wanting to wake him, and saw his face turned towards me. His right hand was lying peacefully on his stomach. After settling back down, I looked at him and just stared. How is it I was mad at him for so long? That beautiful man lying in the bed with me. His soft, gentle face, off in dreamland, that was so generous and loving when I needed him, even after I refused all contact. His heart really was for me. I only wished I had realized it sooner. I reached over and touched the back of my hand to his cheek. He stirred, lifting his head back on the pillow, then settled. I ran my thumb across the pink, full lips and imagined my lips, once again, pressed against his. I traced my finger tips, gently, down his chin, along his neck and across his chest. I met his hand on his tight stomach and slowly, but gently, pried it away from his body and interlocked my fingers with his. A moment later, I lay my head along his chest, staring at our fingers. Not knowing which was mine or his. I kissed his muscled chest, softly, allowing my lips to take in the slightly salt taste of his skin; letting my nostrils breath in his masculine odor. How did I go so long without missing it? Without moving my head, I softy told him I loved him. "I love you, too, Blake." Slowly, I turned to look into his eyes. "How long have you been awake?" "About twenty minutes, I guess," he said with a smile. "Why didn't you wake me?" "Because I was watching you sleep. The way your body moved with every breath . . . I was mesmerized." I put my head back on his chest, a little embarrassed. "I'm sorry I've been an asshole lately." "Shhh. You have no reason to apologize," he said turning his body towards me. Lifting my head back to his arm, he reached his hand up and caressed my cheek. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you how I felt sooner. I was so scared of everything I was feeling. The emotions rushing through me were just so strong. . . I've never felt them before. I didn't know what they were. Not until I hurt you. The day you told me you saw me kiss Paige, I could see the hurt in your eyes and that's when I finally understood what was going on inside me. My heart broke for you because I hurt you. I fully felt the love I had for you for the first time and understood what it was I was feeling." His hand placed firmly on my cheek, he allowed his thumb to caress my lips. "You are my world, Blake. My everything. I don't want to ever hurt you again. I never want to loose you." The tears started to come to the surface and I could tell my eyes were turning red. I placed my hand upon his and turned my face to kiss his palm. I looked back into the emerald sparkles of his eyes and smiled. Without saying a word, I slowly leaned in and allowed our lips to meet for the first time in over a month. The gentle, soft touch of our lips connected like electricity. I knew that I never had stopped loving Todd in the instant. The same feelings I had that first time we kissed made an encore appearance and I knew that I was still, hopelessly in love. I placed my left hand on his right cheek. I didn't want him breaking this kiss. The power behind the softness was intense. The slight moisture between our skin, the supple touching of tongues, the breath we breathed, we did for each other. To share and be shared. To become one with our mouths. I tilted my head down slightly to break the kiss. Looking back to his face, I was speechless. I moved my hand to his forehead and brushed his bangs to one side, letting my fingertips voyage back to his cheek and finally, touched his lips once more. Finally, my voice came out of nowhere. "I can't believe how lucky I am and how stupid I was to almost loose you." "I meant what I said Monday night." I gave him a confused look, not remembering, and he continued. "You can beat me all you want, but I'll never stop loving you. I would journey to the four corners of the Earth to find you. If you ever asked me of anything, I would do it. Blake, I love you so much, I'd die for you. To keep you from hurting again, to keep what we have at this very moment, there is no sacrifice too great." My tears started flowing, sideways, across my face. It first started as happy cries, but soon turned into full fledged, heartbreaking tears. "What's wrong?" he said, as he wiped my tears from my nose. "You are willing to die for me and my parents. . ." I couldn't finish my sentence. Todd wrapped his arms around me and held me close. He let me cry; he let me deal with my demons while he protected me from everything else. I nuzzled my face in the crook of his neck and let loose. My tears fell on his skin, his hand stroked my hair. I never realized how love could hurt in a good way. I have felt the spectrum of love. Falling in love, loosing love, felt how love hurts, in both good and bad ways. My learning of love has been complete. And it's all because of Todd. After I calmed down, I just lay in his arms, feeling our bodies pressed together. I couldn't have asked for a better person in my life at that very moment. Pulling back slightly, I looked back into his eyes. "I can't express the words that I need to tell you how much you mean to me. You and your parents, both. Thank you for ignoring me and pushing me to talk. Thank you for ignoring me when I told you to go away. And thank you for getting your parents involved. You and your family is all I have." "And were not going anywhere. What ever you need, we'll be here for you." I leaned in, again, and gave Todd a sweet, tender kiss. I pulled back and told him I loved him once more. Settling his body back on the bed, I moved to place my head on his chest. There was silence all around. His hand caressing my arm, my ear listening to the sound of his heartbeat. I closed my eyes and thanked God for putting Todd in my life. A few minutes later, the silence was interrupted with a question. "I take it, everything is good?" Mrs. Blyth asked. I shifted my head, slightly, and looked at her. "Yes, ma'am. Everything's back to normal." "That's good," she said, shifting her body to lean against the doorframe and crossing her arms. "Although, I think you let Todd off too easy." "Mom," Todd said in that `you're embarrassing me' voice. Ignoring him, but smiling, I asked, "How so?" "Well, if I told Don I loved him and he didn't respond, I wouldn't have spoken to him for six months." "Mom, I can't belie. . ." I put my hand over his mouth, cutting him off. "Well, he did tell me, eventually, but not only did he say it, he declared it." "How'd he do that?" she asked with a smile on her face. "He yelled it to me in the hall at school, in front of everyone. The students were looking around, trying to find out who he was talking to, but they never figured it out. That really impressed me." "I think it would have impressed me, too." She looked at Todd and winked. "C'mon, boys. Time to get up. Your father and I are having brunch with Kent and Charlie. Hey, you guys wanna join us?" Todd looked at me and I told him with my eyes that I didn't. He got the message. "I think we'll pass. We need to talk." "Maybe next time. Todd, do you mind if we tell them? You know, they could be a good role model for you two." "I don't mind. Maybe next weekend we could get together or something." "I'll tell them you said hi. We'll see you boys later." "Bye, mom." "Bye, Mrs. Blyth." She turned and headed back down the stairs. When she was gone, I started the conversation. "About that talk." "Not now. We'll talk, but later, okay?" "Okay." "So whatcha wanna do?" "Just lay here with you would be fine with me." "Well," Todd started and moved his hand to rub my stomach and slowly started moving it downward. "Since the parents are gone, we could have a little fun." I grabbed his wrist and said, "Not now. We've got a second chance at this. Let's do it right. Let's go on a few dates first. Talk; tell each other things we haven't said before. Let's really get to know each other before we have sex again. Is that okay?" "Does that mean we can't sleep together either?" Smiling, I said, "No, I love sleeping with you, but let's wait on everything else, okay?" "You go it, Bam." I looked at him and asked, "Bam? What's that?" "It's your initials. B. A. M. I'm thinking about it as a nick name." "I'm sure I could get used to a nick name, but not Bam, please. It sounds more like an action than a name. It reminds me of that cooking guy." "Okay, how about . . . precious?" he asked, gleaming. "Do you really want me to ignore you again?" "What about tiger?" "Nah, too used." "Kitten?" he asked with a sly smile. "Again, I'll ignore you." "Booger?" "Ewww, gross." "Honey?" "Somebody else calls me that." "Who?" he asked, shocked. "I'm trying to remember." Thinking for a few seconds, it came to me. "Oh, fuck. PAX!!!!!" "Who?" he asked. I jumped out of bed, practically screaming. "I can't believe I forgot about Pax. We have a standing date every Saturday." "Blake," he called, "who is Pax?" "He's a friend I met when we split. . . When I was mad. . . When we weren't together. I met him at the park, when I did my homework and he invited me to his place to wash my clothes every Saturday. It's a standing arrangement." "But, you don't need to go and wash your clothes there anymore." "I know, but I haven't seen him all week. He'll be so worried. I have to go." "But I thought we could spend the day together." "We are, we will." Then an idea hit me. "Hey, why don't you come with me? I'll introduce you to him. You'll love him, I know it." "What's he like?" "He's a great guy. He friendly, he can cook, he's a bit older, but he was there for me. He's a really great friend." "How much older?" "Thirty eight." "Thirty eight?" he asked, surprised. "Yeah," I answered, nonchalantly. "Did you . . . do anything together?" "What? No. He was just an ear for me to talk to. He's a really nice guy. C'mon and come with me, please." "Okay," he said, relenting. "Great," I said, slipping off my underwear. "I gotta get a shower." I got the water just right and started soaping my hair when the shower door opened. I looked and saw Todd start to step inside. Sticking out my hand, I stopped him. "You cannot come in here." "Why not?" he asked. "Because if you do, I might go back on our agreement. I mean, you still are the hottest guy at school and I might do something I'll regret later." "I won't," he said, smiling. "No," I said, pushing him back a little to close the door. "I can't believe this," he said with a smile in his voice. "Well, believe it, mister. I'll be out in a minute." After washing, I stepped out of the shower and saw Todd leaning against the sink with his arms and feet crossed, waiting. "Okay, you're turn." He smiled and me and shook his head. As he stepped into the shower, I couldn't help myself and slapped him on the butt. "Hey," he said, turning to look at me. "What can I say? I'm a sucker for a nice ass," and smiled at him. After we were dressed, we got in the Honda and headed towards Pax's place. Once we parked, I realized, I never told him the directions. "How'd you know where Pax lived?" "What?" "How did you know how to get here? I never told you." Looking sheepish, he said, "I followed you. During the rainstorm. I called your house and asked to speak with you and your mom told me some stupid excuse, which I knew was a lie, and I waited for you to come back to school. I saw your car there and just waited. When you drove away, I followed you. That's how I found you at the rest area." Thinking a moment, I said, "I was wondering how you found me. What lie did my mom tell you?" "That you were at a friend's house." "Why is that a lie? I do have friends, you know?" I said, feeling a little upset that he thought I was a loner. "I know you have friends, but she said you were just `hanging out'." "Wow, she really is a terrible liar." "Tell me about it. I know your parents too well to know they would let you hang out with somebody. I mean, when you were supposedly helping me study, you had to be home by five." "True. Well, let's go in." "Hold on, a sec," he said, grabbing my arm. "I know you told me nothing happened, but I gotta ask. I saw you go in there with a yellow shirt on and come out wearing a blue one. You're not lying to me about you two, are you?" "No. My shirt was soaked. He wasn't even there. He gave me a key and told me if I ever needed a place to go, I could come here. I went in and did my homework. When I finished, I check and found a shirt I left and changed since my yellow one was still wet. That's all, I promise. If something had happened, I would have told you." "I'm sorry I questioned you, but I just had to ask." "Well, I did forget to tell you that we have seen each other naked." Settling back down in his seat, he asked, "How?" "He told me to come on in that first day and when I did, he wasn't anywhere. I walked upstairs and he was just coming out of the shower. He was drying his hair and didn't see me. And I asked for a shower after starting the washer and stripped in the laundry room and followed him to the shower. But that was it. Nothing else." "Cool," was all he said. He didn't look upset or happy. "C'mon. I'm afraid he'll yell at me, let's go and get it over with." "Why would he yell at you?" he asked, opening his door. "Cause I haven't seen him all week. Like I said, he's probably worried to death." I closed my door and waited for Todd to come around the car. When he did, instinctively, I put my arm across his back and walked with him to the door. "You really seem to be more comfortable with yourself now." "There's no point in hiding it anymore. The worst that could have happened already has, so, I don't care." Smiling, he said, "You know what? Me either." Before we reached the door, he stopped and turned towards me. Leaning in, he pressed his lips to mine. A few moments passed and he broke the kiss. "I'm ready to tell the world about us. I figured we might as well start now." Smiling at him, we started back towards the door. When I reached it, I didn't even knock. I opened the door, walked in and called Pax' name. "In the kitchen," he called out. Todd closed the door and I headed down the foyer to the kitchen. "Hey, Pax," I said, sheepishly. Not even turning to acknowledge me, he continued working on his cabinets. "Hey." "You're mad," I said. "No, I'm not mad. I just about called the police to look for you, barely slept all week, cleaned the house about five times. No, I'm not mad." Turning to look at me, he said, "I was worried as hell. What the hell happened to you?" "Things happened and I got sick, but things are the best they're gonna get. Everything's fine." He couldn't say anything, he just looked at me. I felt a little uncomfortable, so I broke the silence. "Pax, I'd like you to meet Todd." The eyes on Pax went from normal to little slits. His face showed anger and turned red. He started towards us with his eyes locked on Todd. Fear gripped me and I stepped in front to block his way with Todd against my back. "Pax, whatcha doing?" I asked in that scared, uplifting voice. "I'm gonna beat him," he said, stopping and staring at Todd who was just barely looking over my shoulder. "WHAT???" I hear Todd ask in a higher than normal voice. At that moment, I couldn't help but smile and start to giggle. "Pax," I said, trying to hide my laughter and put out a hand on his chest. "Things have gotten better. We're working things out." "I don't care; I still want to beat him." I could feel Todd start to quiver with fear behind me as my laughter started coming harder. "He wants to hurt me and you're laughing?" Todd asked, still hiding. "I'm sorry," I said, through my chuckles, "it's funny." I looked at Pax and he still showed nothing but anger. "Pax, seriously, we're working on things. I'm living with him and his parents now. Things are good." "We'll, I still think he deserves a beating for what he did to you." "I agree . . ." "You agree?" Todd asked with surprise. "But," I said, continuing, "We've done some talking and we're starting over and taking it slow. He won't hurt me again. We're gonna do it right this time. No more lies; no more secrets." I could feel Todd peak over my shoulder to look at Pax. "It's true. I won't hurt him again. I promise." Standing another minute, it was like a light switch somebody flipped. Changing from angry to happy in an instant, Pax lifted his arms in an inviting hug and said, "Well, in that case, give me a hug, honey." I walked to him and hugged him tightly. "I'm sorry I didn't see you this week." "Hey, don't worry about it. I'm glad things are good for you. Just next time, call me so I won't worry so much." Stepping out of the hug, I said, "I will. Promise." I turned to see Todd still pressed against the wall. He had relaxed only a little, but when Pax snapped his hand out to shake, he jumped again. I laughed; Pax smiled. Realization hit him as to what Pax was doing and he calmed a bit and shook. "I'm Paxton Andrews." "Todd Blyth," he answered, hesitantly. After the introductions, Pax offered us a drink and then we headed to the living room. I told him about the past week and he asked questions. Todd seemed to relax more as the time went on and by the end of the visit, he was totally comfortable. I started off by telling of the past week and the events that occurred. Todd jumped in with details I either forgot or left out. I told Pax about the dream and he told me it was my heart's way of telling me that Todd was the one. I agreed with him. Todd told about his coming out to his parents and I jumped in with questions on their expressions and the comment about someone being pregnant. "Try as we might, you're not getting pregnant," Todd said to me with a laugh. "God, I hope not!" I said. After we finished, Pax told us about his week and a new financial investment he got involved in. He explained, it was an old-time music store; one with vinyl as well as modern forms of music. He loved the old vinyl and therefore, figured it would be something he might enjoy. "What if it tanks?" I asked. "I'm not too worried. I only invested twenty five thousand. If it goes belly up, I'll be more disappointed it didn't last, more than I will about the money." I could see Todd's surprised expression when Pax said he wasn't worried about the money. That's something I forgot to tell him. "Don't worry about the money. Pax is filthy rich." "Well, filthy isn't the right word, but I'm very comfortable." "Still, twenty five thousand could take care of two, maybe three years at a decent college. I really hope it works out for you." "Thanks, me too." After the conversation died, Pax asked if we wanted to watch a movie. Seeing the clock already past four, we declined but promised next weekend, we would show up earlier for lunch and a movie. He seemed pleased with that plan and stood to walk us out. We followed suit and headed to the front door. When we got there, I heard Todd say ouch from behind me. When I turned, I saw Pax say, "I couldn't help it. I had to get one hit in." Todd was rubbing the back of his head as he looked between Pax and me. "He just hit me." Smiling at Pax, I said, "Well, you did deserve it." "See, I told you," he said to Todd. "I've got to get out of here before you two gang up on me." Smiling, Pax gave me a wink and said, "Nah, I think if I tried anything, Blake would step in and stop me." Grabbing Todd around the waist, I said, "You're damn right, I would." "Well, kids. You two have a great weekend," Pax said, opening his arms for a hug. I walked to him and fell into his arms. "Thanks for not being too mad." "I wasn't mad, honey. Just worried. Just remember to call me sometime, okay?" Pulling out of the hug, I said, "I will." "Todd?" Pax asked with his arms open. Todd walked into them and hugged him back. "Don't hurt my baby bear, okay?" "I won't. I love him too much to do that again." Giving Todd a quick kiss on the temple, Pax pushed him towards me and said, "Go on, get outta here. Ya bother me." We smiled at him and headed outside. When we were in the car, Todd told me he really liked Pax and was glad I was able to find someone to turn to during my ordeal. "Yeah, he's a good guy. I'm glad I got to know him." Todd started the car and started to drive away. "Hey, you got your phone with you?" Reaching in his pocket, he handed it to me. "Who ya callin'?" "I wanna call Kelly and see if she can meet us somewhere tomorrow. I wanna introduce you to her." "Who's Kelly?" "Remember the girl I was sitting with when you came over and asked me for math help?" Thinking for a second, he answered, "Vaguely." "Well, she and I've been best friends for three years and I promised her I would talk to her when everything was back like it used to be. I never told her my parents kicked me out, so I figured it was time she knew." "You think she'll be okay with you being gay? I mean, she doesn't have a crush on you does she?" Remembering her reaction after he asked me for some help with math, I smiled. "It wasn't me she had the crush on." I pushed her number and put the phone to my ear. "Hello?" Kelly asked. "Hey, Kelly. It's me, Blake." "Hey, Blake. What's up?" "I was wondering if we can get together tomorrow afternoon and talk. The last five percent is back to normal and was hoping I could tell you everything." "Oh, Blake, I would love to, but I'm kinda busy tomorrow. Damn. I really want to talk but tomorrow's no good." "Well, maybe next week would be good." "Well, how about now? What are you doing this evening?" she asked. I was skeptical since Todd and I were gonna talk, I didn't know if he wanted to do anything. "Hold on, let me see." I put the phone to my chest and asked Todd if he wouldn't mind if we did it tonight. Before he could answer, I said, "If we do this tonight, we can have all day tomorrow to ourselves. We can get some coffee, relax, talk, go to the park and lounge around or do whatever. Tomorrow, just you and me, all day, alone." It's not that I wanted to tell Kelly absolutely today, but I wanted to get it over with in case she wanted to go her own way from me. I didn't feel right lying to her anymore and wanted to clear the air. "Since you put it that way, just you and me tomorrow, alone, I'm fine getting together tonight." "Cool." I brought the phone back to my ear and said it would be okay for tonight. "Great. Where are you?" she asked. "We're just about to pass Ansley Mall." "Cool. Who is `we'?" I looked at Todd and smiled. "You'll see soon." "Oh, I hate it when you do that." "Well, it's a surprise. If I tell you, then it won't be." "Just say yes or no. Is it you're girlfriend?" Answering honestly, I said, "No." "Okay then. Where do you wanna go?" "We haven't eaten anything today? Wanna catch an early dinner?" "Sure. How about Cowtippers? We can sit outside." "Sounds good. When you wanna meet?" "Give me about twenty minutes and I'll head on over." "Cool. We'll get a table ready." "Good. See you soon." "Okay, bye." Closing his phone, I said, "Head on over to Cowtippers. We're gonna have an early dinner." At the next intersection, he made a turn and started headed that way. He grabbed his phone and called home and told his mom we weren't going to make it for dinner and explained why. When we pulled in, I told him, "When she gets here, I wanna talk to her for a few minutes and then I'll introduce you. So, just hang out at the bar. I'm gonna meet her out here." "What if she doesn't like me?" "Oh, she's gonna like you, alright." "What's that supposed to mean?" he asked with a smile. "I think she's had a crush on you for a long time." Laughing, he asked, "Me? How do you know?" "Well, not in so many words, she told me. She loves your eyes." Batting his eyes at me, he said, "I get that a lot." Thinking back to our first meeting after school, I said, "Remember when we met after school for me to follow you home and I said, `WOW'? It's because she told me about your eyes and that day was the first time I really noticed them. I said wow because I couldn't believe I missed seeing them." "Now you can look all you want. That way, I can get lost in your crystal blues." He smiled at me and I leaned over for a kiss. "C'mon. Let's get inside. Kelly should be here soon." We walked in and sat at the bar and talked until Kelly drove up. As I was leaving him, he told me to just wave him out when we were ready to sit. I walked down the short walkway to the parking lot and met Kelly at the hostess stand. "Hey, Kelly," I said, giving her a kiss on the cheek. "How are ya?" she asked in her usual bouncy attitude. "Things are great. Everything's perfect." "Great," she said. "So, where is this person you want me to meet?" "They'll be out in a minute. I just wanted to tell you what's been going on first." Turning to the hostess, I told her there were three in the party and asked if we could sit on the patio. She led us to a table that was covered by tree branches, giving us some shade from the bright sun. Kelly sat with her back to the building and I sat with a great view of the bar. After our menus were handed to us, and one left for Todd, I closed mine and sat it in front of me. Kelly continued to look hers over. "There's something I need to tell you. We've been good friends for a couple years now and I need to clear the air." "Okay," she said, nervously, setting her menu down. "It's nothing bad, or at least, I hope you won't think its bad, but the other day when I told you I had matters of the heart to deal with, I did. I fell in love, then things happened and we broke up and more things happened and now we're working on things." Taking a deep breath, while she stared at me intently, I said, "It's with a boy." After a few more seconds, I added, "I'm gay." Kelly stared at me for a moment then her face lit up. "Blake, I'm so happy for you. I wish you'd have told me earlier." She stood and leaned over to me and hugged me. Breaking the hug, she sat back down and asked, "So, where who is he?" "You'll meet him in a minute, but there's more." I went on to tell her about my coming out to my parents and what happened because of it and before I could tell her how Todd and I started living together, I made a sweeping movement with my hand and a few seconds later, Todd came out the door. Kelly noticed the gesture, but didn't turn around. "Oh, this is so mysterious. Can I look?" "He'll be here in a second, just wait," I said, smiling. A few more seconds and Todd was standing next to Kelly. She was taking a swallow of her drink when she turned and saw it was Todd standing next to her, I guess surprise got the better of her and she turned her head and spit out the fluid. "Oh, my God, Kelly, are you okay?" I asked, concerned she was choking. "Holy, shit." Looking at me, she asked, "Todd. Todd Blyth. The quarterback is your boyfriend?" Smiling and relaxing, I said, "Yeah." Standing, she couldn't speak. Todd smiled at her and reached out his hand. When her brain finally made the connection, their hands met and I said, "Kelly Marx, this is Todd Blyth. Todd, this is Kelly, my best friend." "Hey, Kelly," Todd said but got no response. She just kept staring into his eyes with a dumb look on her face. Todd kept his smile but glanced at me every once in a while. "Kelly?" I called. No answer. "Kelly," I said, a little louder. "Huh," she said, looking at me. "You okay?" "What?" Looking down, she snatched her hand away and said, "Oh, yeah, I'm fine." Looking at Todd, she said, "I'm sorry." "Don't be, please." Todd took her chair and pulled it out for her to sit. When she did, he pushed it back beneath her and took the chair next to mine. When everyone was set, she asked how long we'd been dating. Todd said, "A little over a year." Kelly's eyes showed no recognition. Then, sitting within arms length of her, she started swinging. "Why didn't you tell me, you little bitch?" She was smiling and slapping my arm. I pulled away, laughing. She covered her face with her hands and said, "Oh, my God, I'm so embarrassed." Looking at Todd, I said, "See, I told you she had a crush on you." "Blake!!!!!" "What? It's true." Again, she hid her face behind her hands. "Kelly, please don't be embarrassed. I'm flattered, really." Slowly, she lowered her hands, but couldn't seem to make herself look at Todd. "Why didn't you tell me?" she asked again, looking at me. "I was afraid you might not want to be my friend. And about Todd, I didn't tell anyone. You're the first." "Blake, you know my brother, Kyle, right?" "I've heard you talk about him." "He's gay. I wish you would've told me. Or at least about your parents throwing you out, you could've lived with me." "Like I said, I was scared. I'm real sorry I didn't, but I didn't want to loose a friend." "So, where are you living now?" Grabbing Todd's hand, I said, "With him." "You two are living together?" "Yeah. He came out to his parents. Things are good." "How'd that come about?" We told her about that Monday night and the events following. She sat and listened, enraptured, at every word we said. When we were done, she practically had tears in her eyes. "What's wrong," Todd asked. "In a weird way, that was so romantic." "I know," I said. "But when love's involved, weird romances happen." "So, how'd you two meet? I mean to start dating?" I looked at Todd, hesitantly. I didn't want her to think we were sluts, because I knew we weren't. But our actual meeting isn't something you can just tell someone in a conversation. Before I could speak, Todd started. "I was working at the Discovery store in the mall and he walked in. I asked if I could help him and when he turned around, I just sort of lost my breath. He was so good looking to me that I couldn't speak." I cut in and said, "And when I saw his face and who he was, I was a little intimidated. I didn't know what to say, so I said no and left." "You never told me you were intimidated," he said, playing along. "Well, you were . . . still are, one of the popular guys and I just got nervous." "Anyway," Todd continued, "that day when some guy blew something up in chem. lab, he came to the gym for a shower and we met again. This time, I made a move, scared to death, but I wasn't going to let him get away." He looked at me and smiled. "Well, what did you do?" she asked. "He turned around after noticing me and when he did, there was purple on his back and I offered to wash it off, since he couldn't reach it. When he turned to face me, I leaned in and kissed him." "Wait, you were in the shower? You, Blake, were naked, and you, Todd, walked in and washed his back then kissed him?" "Yeah. That's how it happened. Since that day, I've been in love with him," Todd finished. "Then, why did ya'll break up?" "It's comp . . ." I started, but Todd cut me off. "Because, I didn't tell him I loved him after he told me." "Yeah, but it was because he was scared. He was also scared his parents might kick him out, but instead, they completely accepted him, and now me. We've talked about it some. I understand it more, now, than I did when it happened." Todd leaned over and kissed me. I could hear Kelly swoon and just smiled. We ordered our food and continued our talk. We weren't in any rush and just lounged around for a few hours, even having dessert before leaving. When we finally said goodbye, I looked at Kelly and asked, "Would you mind not telling anyone at school? We haven't told anyone but you." "Guys, you're secret is so safe with me," she said, smiling big. "Thanks, Kelly." I gave her a big hug and kissed her cheek. When I released her, Todd did the same. When he kissed her cheek, I think I actually heard her sigh. "It was wonderful to meet you, Kelly." "You too, Todd." Turning towards her car, I said, "We'll see you on Monday." "Yeah. Have a good Sunday, guys." We stood with Todd's hand around my back and watched her drive away. "I really like her." "Yeah," I said walking to the car. "She's awesome." To be continued . . . Emails welcomed dsc110875@hotmail.com If you want to be added to the email notification list, please ask. Also, check out the new Yahoo group for the story at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Quarterback_with_the_Emerald_Eyes/