Life as I know It 3- Mr. Platonic
The following story is a work of fiction that does not want to imply that anyone in this story is gay, lesbian, or bisexual. The storyline may be far fetched but it's for entertainment purposes only. Thank you
Josh walked into my apartment with dried trails of tears on his face. I had Jessie make some tea. He looked at us, since we still hadn't changed, and got up.
"I am sorry, you both were going somewhere. I'll go someplace else," he said as he grabbed his suitcases.
I grabbed his hands and forced him to put the suitcases down.
"You are not going anywhere," I said firmly. I sat him down as Jessie came in with some tea.
"Now what happened," I asked. "When I saw you this afternoon, you where fine and heading to your parents. What happened?"
Josh mumbled something incoherently.
"What did you say," I asked.
"I told them," he whispered.
"Told them what," Jessie asked.
"I told them I was gay and they disowned me as their son and kicked me out."
Jessie looked shocked. I jerked my head to tell her to go away. When she left, I looked at Josh.
"They took it real bad, huh," I asked.
"Dylan, my mother just got up and walked away. My father, well he started yelling how he doesn't want a faggot for a son and he yelled at me to get out. My mother packed my stuff and left it at the door while my father physically threw me out. I've never seen them so violent. I mean my mother flew me to Orlando to be on the Mickey Mouse Club, you know. I mean to go from one extreme to the other, it doesn't make sense. How can they say they love me when-"
"They can't except you," I continued.
Josh nodded as his head buried itself into my shoulder.
"I understand what you feel," I told him as I rocked him back and forth. "It will be ok. I promise you it will be ok."
We sat there for a good 10 minutes before the phone rang. Josh lifted his head away as I answered it.
"Hello," I said in a monotone voice.
"Dylan, this is Jessica Simpson. I am calling to see if you need anything."
"No, I am all set. No, wait. Is the event still going on," I asked her.
"Yes. We are actually going to start the dance party. Can you make it?"
"I just may, but I need to bring another guest if that's ok."
"It's perfectly fine. The more the merrier. I will see you then?"
"Yes you will, Ms. Simpson. And thank you."
"Please call me Jessica, and your very welcome."
I hung up the phone and turned towards Josh.
"Do you have any party clothes," I asked him.
"Party clothes? Yeah, why?"
"You are coming with me. My job is having a party and it's mandatory for everyone living in this house to go. Come on."
"Dylan."
"Josh. You need to get your mind off this until you calm down. Even for a couple of hours. Also, you get to meet my new boss. Please?"
Josh looked at me and smiled.
"You know I'd only do this for you," he said as he got up and opened one of the suitcases.
"Yeah, I know," I said as I left for the bathroom.
I went in and got a face cloth. I put it under warm water, and then I went back and wiped Josh's face. He held still and smiled as I wiped the tear crust from his face. When I was done, I showed him to the bathroom, where he could shower, and change. I went to check on Jessie, but she was already asleep, so I left he a letter and gave her my cell number, just in case she needed me.
Josh and I showed up an hour later. The party was in full swing and everyone was smiling and laughing. As Josh and I walked through the crowd, everyone got quiet. I could hear people whisper, "That's JC, from N'Sync," as we walked up to Jessica.
"Dylan," she smiled as she hugged me.
"Hello, Jessica. My niece couldn't make it, but I would like you to meet my friend, Josh Chasez."
"From N'Sync" she added as she shook his hand.
The party was going good for awhile, until I kept looking at how Jessica kept staring at Josh. They were making small talk, I knew, but they had been talking since I introduced them. I was getting jealous. Then a slow song came on, and Jessica and Josh danced. I was getting sad, so I just sat down. I saw that Josh was holding her close. He was looking at her with lust, I could tell. They were laughing and having fun. Then I thought I was overreacting. I mean he told his parents he was gay today. Nothing could be going on. I smiled and started walking towards them when I saw Josh lean in and kiss her. Not just a good- bye kiss or a peck on the cheek, but it was tongue. Tears started running down my face as I turned and walked towards the door. I went to the bathroom and looked in the mirror. I checked my eyes to hope maybe I was seeing things, but I wasn't. The image of Josh bending down to kiss my boss stayed in my mind. I was about to leave when I walked straight into Josh.
"There you are," he smiled. "I was looking for you."
"Well, was I in Jessica's throat," I snapped.
"You saw, huh," he said while his smile didn't die out.
"Yeah, I did. Well, I guess your bisexual or something, right?"
"Whoa, wait. Dylan Turner, where you jealous?"
"Me, jealous? Of course not. I just thought you were gay."
"I am."
"Then why the hell where you kissing Jessica?"
"I will tell you if you admit you were jealous."
"I was not jealous!"
"Yeah, and I didn't kiss Jessica. Come on, Dylan. Admit you seeing me kiss someone else made you mad."
"FINE," I yelled. "I admit I was jealous. I admit I hated seeing you French kiss Jessica Simpson. I hated feeling that I lost any chance of being your boyfriend. Are you happy?"
Josh looked at me in shock, yet his smile was hidden behind it. He took my hand and placed it on his heart.
"Feel that," he asked me. "That is my heart beating faster than normal after you telling me you have romantic feelings for me. I kissed Jessica like that to get a rise out of you. I didn't expect you to tell me you like me. Jessica knows I'm gay. She used to date Justin awhile back. When we first met at the signing and you put me in my place, I was so intrigued. I mean, you didn't treat my like a star, but you treated me human. It was luck and destiny that we both attended the same wedding and that Rachel brought us together. I had been trying to relay my feelings towards you, and to have you share thoughs feelings, Dylan, it's all I could hope for."
"Josh. Number one, if you ever pull at trick like that again, I will Lorena Bobbit you. Number two, despite our first meeting, I have grown to know how much of a charming, funny, amazing man you are. You have such a warm, loving soul to you and I can tell that all you want to do is express your love to someone you find deserving of it. I wanted that to be me, I still do. However, we can't just say we love each other. We just met. If we want this to work, we can't just say we love each other off the bat. We have to work at it."
"I know and I agree. But at least we know there is something to work."
"Yes, there is. Maybe we should head back home. I mean we have a lot to talk about."
"Yes, Dylan. We sure do."
Josh kissed me on the forehead as we left. We both said our good-byes to Jessica then we got in the car and headed back.
As we were driving, I turned of the radio and immediately, Tevin Campbell's "I'm Ready" came on. Josh and I looked at each other and intertwined our hands together. It was the start of something new and fresh, I could feel it. I could also feel Josh staring me down as we drove. When we got to my place, we entered the place arm in arm.
"Well, goodnight," Josh said as he sat on my couch.
"No," I said as I looked at him. "I actually want to talk."
"Ok, well let's sit here."
"No. I want to talk in my room. No sex or anything, just talking. Besides, we talk out here all night I am sure Jessie would wake."
With a nod, Josh followed me to my room. I took off my jacket and shirt and lay on the bed. Josh was hesitant, but eventually he took off his jacket and lay next to me. We both started up at the ceiling, saying nothing for a bit.
"How did you tell them," Josh aid quickly ending the silence.
"What," I asked quite off-guard.
"How did you tell your family that you were gay?"
"Well, the abridged version is that I took my fiance to Thanksgiving to meet my family."
"What's the long, boring version?"
"Robin, that was his name, was so mad at me. You see, I never told any of my family I was gay, yet alone engaged to be married."
"So he was mad because you didn't acknowledge him in your family?"
"No, he was mad because I didn't acknowledge him as my family, which was partially true. I mean he was my fiance, someone who I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, but never in my mind did I put marriage with family. Sick isn't it. Well, anyway, Robin basically said it was time, and so I did it. I first introduced Rob as my friend, and then as the night progressed I was tired and slipped. I talked about how he lives with me and stuff. Then finally the bombshell."
"What did you say?"
"My father made a joke about who was going to get married first. I, stupidly said, and I quote `Well, I am engaged, so shut up."
"Oh my God!"
"That's what Drew said. They where all happy. Then my father asked why I didn't bring her. I said, `I did bring him, dad. I am gay and Robin and I are together.' That's when he threw me out. Not out of the dinner, but out of the family. I'll never forget the anger in that man's face."
"What happened to Robin? Couldn't handle the family?"
"No. He died two years ago; a year after I was banished from my familia."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be. I have come to live without Robin. I can still manage. So, heartbreaker. Who have you loved?"
"I am surprised your not asking about what happened today, Dylan."
"When you're ready. Are you?"
"No."
"Didn't think so."
We talked throughout the night, and, eventually fell sleep in each other's arms.
The rest of the week went by quickly. Jessie, Josh, and I did just about everything while I juggled my new job, which was fun. For every interview, one-night concerts, and public appearances Jessica had to buy four outfits and she chose from the four, which one she liked. By Friday, Drew and Rachel had returned from their honeymoon and spent Jessie's birthday down in Miami. There wasn't that many people there, just Drew, Rachel, Josh and I. Also some people she had met throughout her stay. I rented a section on a private beach to have the ultimate beach party. When we got their, Josh, Jessie, a couple of kids and I all ran into the water and where having water fights. Drew cooked and soon Rachel joined us. While we where horsing around, I got a major stomach cramp. Rachel and Josh helped me out to sit down.
"Dylan, are you all right," Josh asked with much concern.
"I'm fine. Just a cramp. I'm gonna sit out here."
"I'll sit with you."
"No, babe. Just go out and watch out for Jessie. There are some guys eyeing her."
"Ok, big brother patrol to the rescue," Josh smiled as he saluted, "but only if you are ok."
"I promise. Go, have fun."
"Besides, I'll watch him," Rachel reassured him.
Josh smiled as he ran back to the beach. Rachel sat on one side and Drew sat on another.
"Somebody's in love," Rachel smiled.
"Yes," I agreed, " I hope you guys keep it up forever."
"She meant you, moron," Drew said as he hit me in the head.
"Actually, I meant more like Josh, but your not that far behind," Rachel corrected.
"Since when was this a race. Yes, there is something going on between Josh and I you nosy people," I blushed.
"We know, Mr. Platonic," Rachel laughed.
I smiled as well. Josh and I were where I thought we'd never be. Together. My stomach was feeling a little, better, so I stood up. Then a surge of pain hit my stomach. I crouched down into a ball and fell into the sand. Then I blacked out.
To be continued.
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