Like the Rain 7
DISCLAIMER: This story is fiction and involves sex between to men. I don't know the sexual behavior of any of the celebrities that I write about. No animals or writers were harmed in the completion of this chapter.
COPYRIGHT: I give permission to Nifty to post this chapter. No others may remove this chapter nor any chapters from this site without the express permission of the author, Wolfflyer.
THANKS AND OTHER TID-BITS: To Ann, for always getting it done. To all the readers who have sent email, thank you from the bottom of my heart. And to Kent, whose desire for instant gratification has inspired me to write faster. (Was this fast enough for you?)
SHOUTOUTS: To Dane and to both of her stories, Love Words and Intentions, and Mad Season. To Happy Penelope for the story Not until you love me. And to Powers that Be, way to go shining star and Adventures of a Real Dark Knight, you go James. Don't forget to check out my other story Moonlight Will Prevail, located in the highschool section of Nifty.
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LIKE THE RAIN
CHAPTER SEVEN: AWAKENING
BY: WOLFFLYER
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REHABILITATION CLINIC, WAITING ROOM
"I hate all this waiting around." Shelia Seine declared to the entire waiting room. She had her fiery red hair tied back into a ponytail and her green eyes showed signs of stress caused by lack of sleep and worry.
She didn't look the part of a Hollywood actress. Her clothes were simple and quite plain. An orange tanktop and a simple pair of tan cargo pants, the ensemble was completed by a pair of dark sunglasses.
She had been at the hospital for nearly twenty hours and still Scott had not woken up. The doctors kept reassuring her that he was fine but just needed sleep after the trauma of his coma. She wasn't so sure; people who's heart stopped for that long of time could very well have major damage to the brain.
She looked at the door as if by her will alone a doctor would appear telling her everything would be all right. But no doctor appeared, so she continued her pacing back and forth across the room.
The rest of the occupants of the waiting room had, by now been quite used to her pacing. After watching her do it for five hours in a row, they had managed to ignore it completely.
Scott's parents were there, they had flown in the moment they found out where Scott was. They had been there for six hours and they looked tired. Dark circles ringed their eyes and their clothes had that slept in look. But no amount of persuasion could convince them to get a few hours sleep in a hotel. They flatly refused to leave the hospital.
Garet had left the day before to rush home to check on his mother's condition. So far no one had heard anything and they could just hope for the best.
Garion was slouched in a chair sleeping. And by the look on his face, he was extremely uncomfortable. But he hadn't left the hospital in two days, and he declared that he wouldn't until Scott woke up. His long blue topknot was disheveled, and he needed a shave badly. Dark circles rimmed his eyes and his face was pale.
No one knew where Greg had run off too. The second Scott came out of his coma, he rushed off and started talking on the phone. A few hours later he silently disappeared and had been gone ever since.
"Honey, you should really sit down and try to get some rest." Yulonda Taylor tried for the hundredth time to get Shelia to stop pacing. "You've been doing that for hours."
Shelia flashed her a smile that lit up her entire face. Shaking her head from side to side, she took a seat next to the parents of her best friend. Yulonda reached over and gave her hand a squeeze. Shelia squeezed it back just as hard.
"I don't know what to do. I feel so helpless." Shelia admitted.
"It's all in God's hands now. You just have to trust in him." Yulonda answered, her face showing all the confidence in her God.
Richard had been sitting there with his eyes closed as his wife and Shelia talked. But he agreed with Shelia, this waiting was starting to get to him too.
"Shelia, how'd you meet Scott?" He asked her more out of boredom than a real desire to know.
"It was at a club in LA. Zylvan was playing there every Friday night and I was waitressing there for extra money while I tried to get a movie career going." Shelia answered as she stretched her slim body.
"I remember the first time I saw him." She said with a far away look in her green eyes. "He took the stage and wham, it was like he owned it. He was standing there like a god straight out of a Greek legend in his brown leather pants with his hair all crazy and hanging in his eyes. From the moment he started to sing, every eye in the place was glued to him. Have you ever seen him perform?"
"Only back in high school with his first band." Yulonda stated. "But even back then, he had a presence."
"But we always knew that he would make it. It was the only thing he ever wanted to do." Richard said sadly, shaking his head. "But oh what a price to pay."
"You mean the dope?" Shelia asked. Richard shook his head. "He wasn't always like that. When I first met him, he wouldn't even touch the stuff. He wouldn't let anyone drink before a show either. It was like he wanted each show to be the best show ever."
"What happened?" Yulonda asked quietly. Like she really didn't want to know.
Shelia stood up again and leaned against a wall. "I'm not sure. I don't know when he started, but one day it was like he was a junky. Out of blue, I realized that he had a huge problem."
"But you know Scott, you couldn't tell him anything. We had a big fight; he hit me, and walked out of my life. I haven't seen him in six months."
Tears were coming out of both parent's eyes. Richard clasped his wife's hand as he stated, "You're a good friend to him. After all this time, you still care about him, don't you."
"Yea, I guess I do. He's the only man I truly ever loved. Its too bad that it didn't work out." Shelia said with a hint of regret.
"Do you two date?" Yulonda asked.
"No." Shelia answered. "We have only ever been friends. I'm not Scott's type."
"Don't get me wrong. When I first saw him on that stage, I wanted to be with him more than anything. He's so beautiful when he sings. Did you know that he puts everything into his music? He connects with the audience in a way I've never seen before. Rick, his manager, says its like Jim Morrison."
"I wonder why he wasn't interested in you. You are a beautiful young woman." Yulonda wondered.
Shelia's head snapped up. Oh my god, they don't know she thought. She wondered if she should tell them that their son is gay.
Scott had always acted like his parents were some kind of monsters. He told her that they hated him because he was gay and for the death of his cousin. But since she met them, she was beginning to understand that it was all lies. She didn't know what the problem was, but Scott didn't know what he was missing.
Her dilemma was declared void, cause Garion opened his eyes and said, "Scott didn't like her cause he's gay."
Three heads turned and stared at the bass player. Shelia had a look of pure hatred as she glared at him. Richard and Yulonda had a look of shock and disbelief.
"Gay? I didn't know that." Richard stammered.
Yulonda covered her mouth with both hands, "Oh my god."
GREG'S HOTEL ROOM
"Yea, it's all set. When are you going to release it?" Greg asked his manager Rick over the phone.
"MTV said they will air it today at noon. Along with a half hour special about the dangers of drugs."
Greg shook his head eagerly, "Good, everyone will be watching. This is so perfect."
"It was genius of you to notify MTV about Scott's condition. This couldn't have come at a better time, you guys are really hot right now."
"I just hope Scott appreciates it. After all, he did drop the ball." Greg stated. "I knew he couldn't handle it. Maybe Zylvan needs a new leader."
"You guys can work that out amongst yourselves. But keep me posted on his condition. The minute we can, we have to go and make an appearance on TRL or we could lose public opinion."
"The doctor's said all he needs is some rest. I figure in two or three days we can fly to New York." Greg promised.
"Good. We have lots of records to sell."
Greg hung up the phone and stared off into space. A smile broke across his face as he saw himself taking over the band. That is just want Zylvan needed to break into the big time. A new leader, and a new direction. Maybe it was time for Scott to sing some of Greg's songs instead of only playing Scott's.
Greg continued to dream as he picked up his notebook and started jotting down lyrics. Yes, he could do it. It was all up to him.
LODI CALIFORNIA
"What's the problem doc?" Garet said as he sat down in the chair opposite of Doctor Faber.
"Garet, your mother was found on the kitchen floor by the paramedics. It looks like she has been coughing up blood. We don't know for sure what the problem is. We have to run some more tests."
Garet just stared at him. Doctor Faber was an elderly gentleman in his late fifties. His white hair was receding but his eyes told of a man that was very sure and confident in his abilities as a physician. His entire presence made Garet feel like everything was going to be all right.
"She will have to stay for a few days while we run the tests." Doctor Faber informed him. "Do you know if she has any medical insurance?"
Garet shook his head, "No, her job didn't offer her any."
"We'll worry about that later. But for now, I suggest that you go and get your brother and try to get some rest. You look like you are running on pure guts." He suggested.
"Where is Joshua?" Garet asked as he tried to stifle a yawn.
"When he called 911, and after the paramedics arrived. The police called his father. I believe that he is still there with him."
"Shit." Garet exclaimed.
"What?" Doctor Faber asked. "Is there something wrong?"
"No, just family business. How long before you find anything out from the tests." Garet asked changing the subject.
"Like I said, three or four days. But you can come back tomorrow and see her. Before we gave her something for the pain, she was asking about you and Joshua. I think you should bring him tomorrow. Will the father be coming as well? Maybe he can help out with the bills?"
"I doubt he'll be here. He pretty much left us a long time ago. He doesn't even pay the money he owes us now." Garet spat out. "I doubt he'll help us at all. I am surprised that he said it was okay for Joshua to stay with him."
The doctor stood up and walked around the desk to where he was facing Garet. Garet's long hair was uncombed and hanging in his face. He looked tired, worn out. The doctor noticed that he was slightly shaking.
"Look, if you need to talk to someone, I can recommend a few therapists that specialize in divorce."
"Maybe later, but now I have to get Joshua. He must be going crazy. Thanks for all your help, I'll see you tomorrow." Garet stuck out his hand.
"Take care of yourself, and remember if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask me." Doctor Faber said as he shook the man's hand.
Garet left the office and made it out of the hospital and to his rented car. He sat down behind the wheel and shut the door. Looking in the rearview mirror, he saw his face staring back at him. He thought of Scott and his problems. He thought of his mother, and of how in the hell could they ever afford the bills. And he thought of his younger brother, Joshua. And then finally, he thought of his own terrible secret. How could he handle all of this without going crazy?
Everything overcame him at once, and he broke down and starting weeping. It was too much for him to take. For what seemed like hours, he sat there crying. His emotions were strung about as tight as they were ever going to get. He felt like he was two-steps away from a nervous breakdown.
"You have to keep it together for Josh." Garet told his reflection. "Now stop crying and go get him."
Garet composed himself as best as he could. He started the car and left the hospital. He wasn't looking forward too seeing his dad again.
JUSTIN'S HOUSE DETROIT
Lance was sitting on the bed in Justin's guestroom with his laptop. He was talking to Joey via video conferencing in Florida.
"No, I haven't told him about my interest in him yet." Lance was answering Joey.
"Well, why not? I thought you said they were close to dropping him." Joey was asking.
Lance ran his fingers through his brown hair and sighed. "Its not that easy. I'm telling you Joey, that was really bizarre what happened yesterday with Justin."
"Do you know how crazy that sounds Lance?" Joey asked. "I mean, him feeling Scott's pain like that."
"I know it sounds crazy. But as near as I can tell, he started freaking out at the exact moment that Scott stopped breathing." Lance stated with a hint of amazement in his deep voice.
"And then when Scott started breathing, his pain stopped."
"Yes." Lance answered matter of factly. "At the same time. No one knew if Scott was alive, but Justin told me flat out that he was fine. Hours before we heard anything. It was like they are connected or something."
"When are you going to tell him about your plans for him" Joey asked trying to change the subject.
"Tonight, his producer called me and it doesn't look like they want him on their label anymore." Lance told him.
"Well, if you need anything just let us know. We're all praying that Justin will agree. Even though I think he's all weird now." Joey said hopefully. "Do you think he's in love?"
"Yep, that's the only thing I know. You should see him talk about Scott. His face light's up at the mention of his name, but it looks like he hates the fact. It's quite funny in a way, but he's still in denial." Lance explained.
"Well, keep me posted. Talk to you soon." Joey said as he hung up on the connection.
Lance turned off the computer and got up. He stretched his small frame and went downstairs to the kitchen to get a drink of water. He was in the middle of taking a drink when he heard the front door open then slam shut.
Justin came storming into the kitchen with a red face. He looked at Lance and stated, "They want to drop me from the label."
"I'm sorry Just." Lance offered.
Justin continued right on talking. "They say that there isn't a single on the record. They say that the music sucks and that I should stick to what I know."
Lance sat there and listened as Justin grabbed the bottle of water out of his hands and took a big gulp.
"They said the only way they'll keep me, is if they give me the songs to record. They don't want me to have anything to do with the music. Just to sing it and go out on stage and shake my ass like I used to do with Nysnc." Justin spat out as he glared at the fridge.
"They're wrong." Lance said quietly.
Justin was in mid sentence but he stopped and looked at his friend. He asked, "How do you know that?"
"Sit down." Lance instructed. Justin sat at the kitchen island as Lance sat down opposite of him.
"Remember when you asked me why I was in Detroit?" Lance started.
"Yeah."
"Well, I am here on business. There was a new act that I was interested in signing." Lance said as he studied Justin's face.
"What does that have to do with me or my music?" Justin asked.
"There was a producer that was doing an album here. I contacted him hoping to hire him for a project in a few months." Lance explained. "He told me that he was interested cause the record he was working on now was more than likely going to be scraped."
Justin had never been accused of being stupid or slow. His eyes widened as he put two and two together. A flash of anger crossed his face, "Its Stevie isn't it?"
Lance tried to explain himself. He started talking quickly, "I never knew he was your producer. Come on, he's one of the best even though he looks like a computer nerd."
Justin chuckled a bit at that, but the anger returned if not somewhat softer. "He sent you some demo's didn't he?"
"Just, when I heard those demo's, I was blow away. I never knew that you were so talented." Lance said with pride for his friend. "And then I knew that the execs hated it. I just thought…"
"You just thought that you would come and save the day." Justin accused him. "I told you I don't want your help. Jesus James, I wanted to do this album on my own."
Lance stood up and pointed a finger at Justin, "Listen you, you ego maniac. I'm not trying to help you out. Those are great fucking songs. I don't know what they are thinking about, but you have created something that will blow everyone out of the water."
"Yea," Justin spat. "You still think that you have to take care of me. Well, let me tell you something. I don't need the great Scoop coming out of the sky and interfering with my record. I told you that I would do it on my own and I will."
"You self-centered little prick." Lance shouted. "I'm not trying to help you out. I want to sign you cause everyone needs to hear those songs. They need to hear that Justin isn't just a piece of ass dancing on a fucking stage."
Justin just glared at his friend. He was still mad about the whole thing going on behind his back but he wasn't sure about the motives of his best friend.
He hadn't seen Lance that upset in years. Maybe he really did believe in the record.
"Do you really think they're good songs?" Justin asked gently.
"Yes I do. I've listened to them over and over for the past week." Lance admitted. "And just like I told Stevie, that record is going to be one of the best records of all time. And I want the artist that created those songs. It's not just because its you, there is money to be made, and I won't pass it up."
"So, you're doing this because of the money." Justin stated.
"Damn right." Lance said. "And if I can make some money with that record, it's only a fucking bonus that I'll be helping out a friend. But it's not the reason."
"Well damn." Justin smiled. "How can I argue with that?"
"Really?" Lance asked. "You'll let me do it?"
Justin stood up and stuck out his hand. "James, you have been helping me for so many years. And you never once fucked me. How can I say no if you really believe in the music."
Lance shook his hand and said, "It's not just the music I believe in, you know. I believe in you."
The two men hugged each other tightly. Lance had a smile on his face as he thought to himself. One problem down, two more to go.
"Thank you James." Justin whispered in his ear. "Thank you."
"Don't thank me yet. I'm not the best boss to have." Lance said with a laugh. He broke from his friend and started to talk.
"First things first. Call Stevie and tell him to meet me at the record company in one hour." Lance ordered. "Then, cross your fingers. I'm hoping to literally steal you away from them."
Justin started laughing. "I am so glad you are on my side."
Lance returned the laughter, "You say that now, but wait until we are negotiating you're contract. I won't be on your side."
Justin stopped laughing at that statement. "You wouldn't do that to me, would you?"
Lance gave him an evil glare as he bounded off to his bedroom to get his briefcase. He had a lot of things to do before his meeting. And it would take all of his powers of persuasion to get them to release Justin with his music that he had already recorded. But he had an ace up his sleeve and he knew that he had already won.
Justin sat there in the kitchen with a look of terror on his youthful face. He wondered if Lance would really do that to him. He shivered at the thought, he knew that Lance was going to be a very interesting person to work for.
But Justin let it all go, hopefully in a few hours he would be working for Freelance. Doing all the music that he wanted to do without someone breathing down his neck. He walked into the living room and sat down at the piano and started to play.
SCOTT'S ROOM
A beeping noise was starting to irritate Scott as he slowly woke up. He couldn't tell where the sound was coming from, all he knew is it was really annoying.
He opened his eyes but everything was blurry. He panicked for a second before realizing that it was only because he wasn't wearing his contacts. He tried to sit up, but he didn't have the strength.
Slowly he came out of the fog, he realized that he was in a hospital room and that damn beeping was from a machine right by his head. He looked around the room and saw that he was alone. It was deadly quiet and that bothered him for some reason.
Suddenly everything came rushing back to him. The memory of being all alone in some room and something was haunting him. He started to panic and fumbled for the call button that was right by his hand. Frantically pushing it over and over, he began to sweat. He never wanted to be alone again.
Not even a minute later, a nurse came running into the room with a look of concern on her face. A look of relief came across Scott's features as the nurse approached the bed.
"How are feeling Scott?" She asked quietly.
"Like shit. I ache everywhere, my chest really hurts." He replied.
Smiling, she put her hand on his forehead, "You gave us all a nasty scare."
"What happened?"
"Let me go and get the doctor, he can explain it better than I can." Came the reply as she started to walk out of the room.
"Don't leave me." Scott pleaded.
She turned and faced him. "I'll only be gone for two minutes. I'll be right back."
Scott had a look of pure terror on his face, but he tried to be brave. "Please hurry." He said in almost a whisper.
Flashing him a smile, she left the room, closing the door behind her.
Scott looked around the room. Even though it was daylight and he could see the entire room, he still fought the urge to scream. His mind was playing tricks on him and without his contacts, he couldn't really make anything out.
His eyes were darting to and fro at every little sound. What is that he thought in fear? Oh, it's only a chair. Calm down boy, you have to get it together. What's wrong with me he thought? Why am I so scared? It was only a dream, a nightmare, but only a dream.
To Scott it was the longest two minutes of his life. Right before the door opened, he was almost completely panicked. When he heard the door open, he breathed a sigh of relief that could be heard across the room.
"Well, looks like you are awake."
Scott recognized the voice as Doctor Dan Reynolds. His heart stopped racing and he immediately calmed down. A weak smile flashed across his face and he asked.
"Doctor, what happened?"
TBC
NOTES: Thanks to all the readers, you are the reason I turn my computer on everyday. Please email at Wolfflyer26@Yahoo.com all emails will be answered promptly. Have a great summer and don't drink anything I wouldn't.
Peace and stuff
Josh
Copyright©2001 Glacier Boy