NOTE:
Thanks to everyone who's written me with comments about this story! It was the first one I've ever posted to the archive, so I appreciate all the positive thoughts and encouragement. Enjoy the next installment, know that more are on the way and please, keep writing! Peace and Love.
-Skyler
LEGALEASE:
I'm sure you people already realize this, but if you're not 18 (21 where applicable), please leave immediately and do not proceed reading this story. Blah, blah, blah... Now that that is out of the way... ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- B-Boys by Skyler ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Five: New Birth
We all stood still, caught in an awkward silence, each left to his thoughts and fears, for what seemed like an eternity. Brock stared at the floor, Brady stared at him and Bill watched Brady. I just puffed away on my Marlboro, unsure what to do now. Out of nowhere, laughter registered in my ears. It was Bill, laughing so violently he was turning bright red. This action seemed to break everyone's concentration, as all eyes focused on our laughing friend. All of a sudden, he stopped laughing, leaned in and kissed Brady on the cheek. This caused them to both start cracking up. This certainly was getting interesting.
Once they had calmed down and the laughter subsided, the two drew close together and clasped hands. I couldn't believe my eyes! Judging by his confused expression neither could Brock. At least he'd stopped shaking by now. It really scared me when he got that upset; made me want to do nothing but take him into my arms, to take away his fears.
"Guys," Bill grinned, "Brady and I have been dating for awhile now, too. We just didn't want to, you know, say anything yet."
So that's why they've been together so much lately! Those two have always been close friends, but had spending much more time than usual together of late. Now it made sense. This development between the four of us, while now apparent it wouldn't wreck our friendships, might affect the band. Certainly if it got public, a gay Christian band would not be as easily embraced as we were accustomed to.
"We're all cool with this personally, right, but where do we go from here? With the music, I mean." Brock nervously voiced to the group.
"Well, we can't just stop, but I don't want to be forced to deny who we are, either. I refuse to live a lie." This quick response came from Bill.
"Look," I said, "I don't want to lie, either, but this could have some very serious consequences. I don't want to be publicly crucified because of it."
"I agree." Brock said, moving closer to me. Our hands touched and gripped each other tightly. I felt safe again.
"Come on, guys! Listen to yourselves! What happened to our faith? God is love, right? We're doing something great here and nothing has changed! Why get scared now?"
Brady did have a point. We have always been this way, I suppose. At least I know that I have. Really, nothing has changed. I've always believed that God loves everyone unconditionally, no matter what. Our music and message conveyed that very belief. So this could be the perfect opportunity to take our group to the next level, spiritually and professionally. We might even be able to capture a whole new audience for Christian music. Our peers. After all, the homosexual community has really been alienated from Christianity, primarily by the hateful words and actions of a few right-wing bigots. We might be able to help right that wrong, at least in part. This was dangerous, though. Our friends and families might react badly should we go public. The station, whose owner was a highly religious man, might even pull our music altogether. We might even lose our place at the coffee house.
"I guess this is going to have to be all or nothing, huh? Either we succeed or fail, so what's it gonna be, guys? Are we ready for this? Brock asked, apprehensively, as all of us exchanged looks. It seemed we were each waiting for someone else to "cast the first stone", as it were. Upstairs, we could hear the coffee house staff opening for the day's business. The staff was probably confused by our silence, as we were usually deep into a session by this time of the morning, providing even the very first customer of the day with some enjoyable background music. We'd better get started soon, otherwise somebody might get curious enough to come down here and check on us. Definitely not a good time for that to happen.
"I'm up for a challenge." Bill grinned.
"Count me in." Said Brady.
"Let's do it."
"Well, I guess I'm gonna have to write some new stuff." Brock laughed. "In the meantime, let's get warmed up. Hate to keep our guests waiting." He smiled, gesturing grandiosely toward the ceiling. With that, another rehearsal began.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Yeah, its a quickie. The next chapter will be on the way shortly, though. Please remember to email me (skypro21@yahoo.com) with any thoughts, questions, ideas or other constructive criticism you may have. As always, Peace and Love.
-Skyler