This story is a work of fiction. It depicts a romance between two consenting adult males and may contain some descriptions of sexual acts, again between two consenting adult males. If you are not of legal age to read this kind of story, please leave now. If you reside in area where reading stories that include sexual situations between two consenting adult males are illegal, please leave now. This story is for entertainment purposes only. Any similarity to any person(s) living or dead is simply a coincidence. The author retains all rights to this story. It cannot be reproduced in any form without expressed written permission from the author (me). Please contact the author for any requests. Copyright 2005.
Feedback (and criticism) is ALWAYS appreciated and welcome. Please respond to this story at: abandier@columbus.rr.com see below concerning email I look forward to hearing from all of you.
I will be moving very soon, so my current e-mail will only be active until Friday July 29th. I'll post the new address with one of the future chapters once I get it.
One last thing before we get to the story. Thanks to all of you who have written so far with your encouraging words. I have appreciated every one of them. An extra special thanks to John W. who was the first person to send me some feedback. Thanks John!!
LOVER'S LANE by Jaden
From the end of Chapter Two:
I came to a stop so fast that I tripped over my own feet and almost fell. I suddently remembered something Lane had said . "You're almost here as much as I am", Lane had said. Had he....noticed me at the gym before?? How long had he been...noticing me?? I searched my brain---I couldn't remember seeing him at the gym before and I was there 3 times every week. I know I would have remembered him, that I am absolutely sure of. Of course, I usually keep to myself and don't pay attention to the world around me. So, I guess its not strange that I hadn't seen Lane before today. But---he had seen me. Now I was filled with alot more questions. Had he simply seen me around the gym, or had he been watching me??
I continued my walk home. Those questions would have to wait for another day.
CHAPTER THREE: ALL ABOUT GEORGE (OH, AND COLLEGE LIVING TOO)
September To December 2004
I could hear him whimpering and I was still about 10 feet away from the door. George could hear me coming down the stairs and he was excited that I was home. George didn't care what I looked like, or how I was feeling, or what kind of day I had--he was always glad to see me. Just thinking about that mutt would bring a smile to my face--even on days I was feeling really bad about myself.
I remembered that George's 4th birthday would be coming up in a few weeks. I always got George a really big bone (not that kind, perverts!!!) for his birthday. He loved to chew on those things. George was 8 months old when my parents bought him for my high school graduation present. George was a mutt. Nobody could tell us exactly what breed he was--he had a little bit of everything mixed in him. He had black fur--the fur was silky soft. He weighed about 60 lbs--60 lbs of almost limitless energy. That was the thing about George--he loved to run around and play. Whenever we went to the local park, he would want to play for hours. It didn't matter to him what we did either--throwing the frisbee around (one of his favorites), throwing a tennis ball for him, or simply fetching sticks. He just loved to play.
On the days I did my cardiovascular workouts, George would always come running with me. The little shit was in better shape than I was. I would normally run about 7 to 8 miles and he kept up with me the whole way. On the days I went to the school gym, I couldn't take him with me because the gym had a policy about no animals in the building. So, George had to stay home. He didn't like that too much--he knew I was out doing something and he wanted to join in on the fun.
Since I didn't have many friends growing up, and none of my Grandparents had any animals, I hadn't met too many dogs in my lifetime. I swear though--I really believed that George was one of the smartest animals on the planet. It was eerie sometimes--just how he seemed to know stuff. If I didn't know any better, I might have thought he was a human being reincarnated as a dog.
I had my alarm set to go off at 6:15AM on weekday mornings for my daily workouts. And, everyday George would start licking my face at about 6:10AM. Everyday except for Saturdays. I usually slept in to about 8:00AM on Saturdays--and he knew that too. He would wait until about 7:55AM on those days and then start in with the licking. To this day I have never figured out how he knew which day it was. Also, he knew which days were running days and which days I was going to the gym. On gym days, he would watch me get ready and leave for the gym. On running days, after waking me up, he would grab his leash and sit there patiently with the leash in his mouth as I got ready. Whenever I really thought about it, it freaked me out a little bit.
I only fed George once per day, at around 6PM. And, everyday, at that time, he would grab his food bowl and bring it up to me, waiting to be served. He had signals too. If he needed to go out to do his business, he would walk up to me and bark just once, then turn around and wait patiently by the door until I let him out. When he wanted or needed some attention, he would come put his head in my lap. He loved to be rubbed and petted. He was insatiable. But, he knew not to bother me when I was sitting at my desk doing schoolwork. He understood that I needed to be left alone. Like I said, he is an amazing creature.
I could hear him running around impatiently waiting for the door to be opened. He started to bark too. As I put my key into the lock on the door, I thought, OK brace yourself. You're about to have 60 lbs of fur come flying at you.
"OOOMMMPPPHHH," I exclaimed as George landed squarely on my chest. I barely had time to put my arms out to catch him. "Geez, George, let me put my bag down buddy."
George squirmed out of my arms and landed on the floor. As I was putting my bag away, he was pratically running in a circle and his tail was wagging violently. What a goofball!!
"OK, OK, I'm back home now. So settle down boy." I said to him.
I sat down on the bed to take my shoes off. George immediately came over and put his head in my lap. I started petting him and scratching behind his ears. A smile crept onto my face as I looked at him.
"I've got to go take a shower and change. Then, we're going to the Student Union to meet somebody." I told him. My smile widened as I thought once again about meeting Lane.
Freakily it seemed that George understood what I was saying, because he ran over and pulled his leash off the bathroom doorknob. He walked back over to me and sat down with the leash in his mouth.
"That's just weird," I said to him, "just weird."
I got up and looked around my "home" for the past three years. Basically it looked like a studio apartment, with the kitchen, living room, and sleeping area all in one big space. The bathroom was a separate room, complete with its own door. The whole space was no more than 400 square feet. It was perfect. There was a separate room that contained the washer and dryer. Mrs. Wilson (my landlady) and I shared these appliances. There was a separate entrance to the laundry room so Mrs. Wilson could access it without bothering me.
It seems every minority group gets pegged with sterotypes. At times, I caught myself thinking some of those thoughts about someone else---including myself. When I would think about it, I would realize how stupid I was being. I only had to look at myself to understand that stereotypes meant NOTHING. I hated--let me repeat--hated to shop. Passionately. I had the worst decorating sense--possibly in the known universe. My mother had to decorate my apartment for me. She liked to do that stuff anyway. When she had bought me my new wardrobe after high school graduation, she spent alot of time showing me which clothes went together and which didn't. When my parents would buy me clothes for birthdays or Christmas, she patiently explained to me which of the pants I already had would go with the new shirt, or what pre-existing shirt I should wear with the new pants. BTW, for those who like to know---boxers all the way baby!!
Even with my mom's help, my apartment was sparsely decorated. A couple of pictures mounted on the wall, a few knick-knacks scattered around. The only two things I really liked were my desk--a mammoth oak wood masterpiece (You should have seen my dad and I trying to get that desk into the apartment. The Three Stooges would have down better---lol)--and this one lamp I had. I'm not sure if the lamp had a name, but the base sat on the floor and had a long black arm that supported a round translucent bowl on top. The light from the lamp would shoot upward onto the ceiling. For some reason, my mother insisted that all kitchen supplies and all bathroom supplies be the same color. She choose hunter green (green is green to me, but she made it a point that I understand it was "hunter" green) for everything in the kitchen--hunter green washcloths, towels, dish stacker to dry freshly washed dishes, etc.---even a hunter green kitchen garbage can. For the bathroom she choose dark blue. Blue towels, washcloths, toothbrush holder, toilet seat cover, hand soap dispenser, kleenex dispenser, etc. etc. The woman, quite frankly, was insane. I loved her.
I had a TV and DVD/VCR combo---but I rarely watched any TV programs. When I did turn on the TV, I mostly watched the news channels. CNN is my favorite. The only program I followed on a regular basis was the reality show called "The Amazing Race". If I was ever going to do a TV reality show, this would be the one. It looked like it would be tons of fun to do. Of course, I would need a good partner--maybe my mom or dad. They were both outgoing and athletic (either of them could balance out my shy nature). HEY---maybe Lane would want to do something like that with me.
Whoa---put on the brakes Jaden!! I can't believe I'm thinking about him like that--like we were going to have a future together. What was going on with me?? Me--the shy, quiet one who never liked to talk around people-- especially my peers. Me--the asexual one who was terrified of relationships and sex. Did I even know how to make a friend, let alone keep one?? I had zero experience in that area. Considering my non-existant knowledge when it came to friendships, relationships, and sex, let's just say I wasn't doing to well and I had ALOT to learn. Whenever I got together with my 3 study partners, we always just studied. We didn't make very much small talk. Besides--I had just met Lane this morning and only spoke to him for about 2 minutes. Were we magically going to become best friends and maybe something more?? I didn't know anything about him. Sure, he was hot (ok, scorching)--but looks are often deceiving. I didn't know anything about his personality. Sure, he seemed like a nice guy, but then again, he WAS asking something of me. Besides, you have to know somebody for a long time to truly get to know the real person---nobody was able to keep their true colors hidden for very long. A piece of eye candy is fun to look at, but you might get left with a sour taste in your mouth. I wasn't a shallow person. I think, like most people, the packaging meant something to me, but what was inside the package was the crucial part.
At this point I was starting to drive myself crazy. Let's just go and meet him at the Student Union and see how it goes. Maybe I'd discover that I didn't like him and didn't want to be his workout buddy. Somehow, though, I knew deep down in my heart that wasn't going to happen.
CHAPTER FOUR: GEORGE MAKES A NEW FRIEND
September To December 2004
George and I arrived at the Student Union about 5 minutes early.
Before we left, I had taken a shower and gotten dressed. A better way to put it is I took a shower then tried on nearly every single piece of clothing that I owned. At some point I stopped, looked in the mirror, and slapped myself hard across the face. What in the hell was I doing??? Who was I--a teenage girl who just got asked out by the most popular boy in school?? As I looked in the mirror, I realized I didn't recognize the reflection staring back at me. You're going to talk to him about workout schedules and excercise, I reminded myself. Nobody is proposing marriage. After I calmed down I threw on my favorite boxers (the yellow ones with the smiley face), a comfortable green tank top (hey--I wanted to show off my arms, so sue me) and some blue jean shorts. I put on my favorite pair of sandals, messed with my hair for a second, grabbed my sunglasses, wallet, and keys, attached George's leash and left.
George and I waited outside of the Student Union for Lane to show up. I was hoping Lane could run inside to buy our beverages, then we could find someplace outside to sit down and talk. George wouldn't be allowed inside of the Student Union and I really didn't want to tie him up outside while we went in. After waiting for only a couple of minutes, I kneeled down to scratch George behind the ears. That's when I heard his voice again (I could really get used to just hearing him talk all day).
"Um...Jaden?? Is that you??", I heard Lane say hesitantly.
I immediately stopped scratching George and looked up. OK--I KNOW this is going to sound corny, but what I saw when I looked up at him was breath-taking. He was standing in such a way that his head was directly in front of the sun. It looked like he had this bright, massive halo around his head. I honestly thought for a split second that I was dead and this beautiful angel was coming to take me to heaven.
Thankfully, I recovered from my initial reaction quickly. I stood up and greeted him.
"Hey Lane. Right on time I see.", I responded.
I noticed that his eyes cast downward to look at George.
"Is that your dog??, Lane asked.
"Yes it is. His name is George and, don't worry, he doesn't bite. Actually, he's a little shy around strangers, but he warms up to most people quickly.", I replied.
I hadn't thought of it before, but I was suddenly interested in George's reaction to Lane. George was a good judge of character--let's see what he thought.
Lane squatted down and held out his hand toward George. Then, with a smile on his face, he said,
"Hey buddy. How are you??" As Lane started speaking, my eyes drifted down to look at my dog. If I hadn't seen what happened next with my own eyes, I might not of believed what George did.
George stared at Lane for a full ten seconds--it looked like he was appraising him. Suddenly George ran over to Lane and started slobbering all over this face.
Two thoughts came simultaneously into my head. First, I had never seen George take to someone so quickly. He was ALWAYS wary of strangers--especially strange men. My second thought shocked me--I was jealous of my own dog. While I knew I would be scared shitless if the opportunity ever came to kiss Lane, I was envious that George got to be so close to him and lick his face. I was being irrational, but that is what I was thinking at the moment.
Lane started to laugh and reached to scratch George behind his ears. I could tell George loved all the attention he was getting by the way his tail starting to wag faster and faster.
"Wow,", I said to Lane while smiling, "I've never seen him take to somebody so fast. It looks like you just made a new best friend."
"He's a great dog Jaden. What breed is he??", Lane asked me.
"Oh, a little bit of everything mixed together--along with the power of a nuclear bomb.", I said as I started to laugh.
"He's a little rambunctious I take it??, Lane asked as he smiled again.
"A LITTLE??!!!", I exclaimed, "There's enough energy in that little furball to light up half the city of Providence!!"
Lane looked up at me and laughed at my little joke. Holy Crap--what was going on with me?? I was having a conversation with Mr. Sex-On-Legs and I even made a joke he laughed at. Who the hell am I?? What happened to shy, nervous, quiet Jaden??
I wasn't complaining, though. Its funny--I was nervous being in this magnificent person's presence, yet, at the same time, I was starting to feel more comfortable. I know, I know, I'm contradicting myself again. It just that Lane was causing my head to spin. It was then that I realized that he's a human being just like I was. Sure, his outside appearance seemed intimidating (simply because he was soooooo gorgeous), but, in the short few sentences we had exchanged with each other, I realized what a nice guy Lane was. He hadn't said or done anything (yet--the black cloud spoke in my mind---get away black cloud!!) that made me think he was full of himself or stuck up. So far, he seemed very well grounded.
Lane continued to scratch and pet George. George was in absolute heaven. AAAHHH--if I could only be George for just a few seconds. Lane finally stood up and looked at me. He asked,
"So, did you want to get something to drink before we talk?? My treat."
"That sounds good. If you don't mind, could you run inside and get the drinks for us?? I was thinking we could sit over at one of those picnic tables and talk.", I said pointing to a nearby table, "I can't take George inside and...."
"I understand. That sounds great.", Lane said, interrupting me. "What do you want?"
What a way to phrase THAT question. I smiled to myself as I thought of some pretty dirty ways (especially for ME) to answer him. JADEN SCOTT--what is happening to you??
Before I could answer, Lane caught my little smile.
"What??," he asked me, "Am I missing somthing?? Do I have something on my face??"
"No, No," I replied. I could feel my face starting to blush. "It's nothing. I was just, um, um, just remembering something.", I spat out the last part of the sentence quickly.
Trying to change the subject I continued on,
"I'd just like some bottled water. Actually, could you make that 2 bottles?? I want to give some water to George. I'll pay for the second bottle, if that's a problem."
"No problem. But--how are you going to give water to your dog?? Did you train him to drink from the bottle?? I'd LOVE to see that.", Lane said with a huge smile on his face. I could get very used to that smile.
"No wiseass. I carry a small collapseable bowl with me when George and I are out--he can drink out of that.", I replied.
If I had known Lane better, I might have given him a small punch in the arm. I was unfamiliar with the proper way to conduct myself during this short period of friendly banter we were having. I have GOT to learn some social skills. Of course, the black cloud had to chime in with 'Don't even bother. Do you actually think he's going to become your friend??' The black cloud and I were going to have a HUGE fight later on.
"Gym-Jock, wiseass, all these names you've called me so far. I must be making a GREAT impression.", Lane said sarcasticly.
I was suddenly filled with fear--a kind of fear I had never experienced before. I had felt tremedous fear when Leon kidnapped me--but that was fear for my own life and safety. The fear I was feeling now was entirely different. I didn't want to offend Lane or make him mad in any way. I had just met the guy--I wasn't prepared to lose him so quickly. He had made such a huge impression on me already. I realized that I needed him in my life--in any way I could get. At this point, "just friends" would be awesome.
Lane must have seen the look of horror that came over my face, because he quickly said,
"Hey, I was just kidding dude. You didn't offend me. I do go to the gym alot--and I am a smart-ass. My mom calls me a smart-ass at least twice every time we talk. In fact, I take great pride in my wise-cracks. And--don't think it's easy. I've carefully honed my skills. It's an art form It's something I'm proud of.", Lane said looking me square in the eyes. He was smiling again, I can remember that, but I wasn't sure how much of what he said I really heard and processed because, as he was talking, he reached over and put his hand on my shoulder in a friendly gesture.
The first time Lane and I had touched, it was when he and I were shaking hands back at the student gym. His hand was all sweaty from his workout and it felt slimy and gross. My only reaction was to quickly wipe my hand on my shirt. THIS TIME when he touched me, however, was entirely different. The universe faded from view---the only thing I was aware of was his hand applying the gentlest of pressure on my shoulder. OK--BE PREPARED--here comes another of my famous contradictions. One part of me thought that his hand felt soooooo good on my shoulder. But the other part--the part occupied by the black cloud of doom--was scared beyond belief. He was touching me--and I liked it!!! I CAN'T LIKE IT. I wasn't comfortable with physical contact with other human beings. It took me forever after "IT" happened to even let my own mother and father touch me. Even now, at 21 years old, I sometimes had to suppress the urge to flinch if my mother gave me a hug.
My mind was spinning again. I can't like his touch. Touching leads to more touching, which leads to kissing, which leads to SEX!!! SEX!! At this moment, if I was 100 percent sure of anything, it was that I wasn't ready for sex. A simple friendly touch was freaking me out. The black cloud of doom was slowly taking control over all of my thoughts.
I stepped away from Lane rather quickly, breaking our physical contact. Somehow I managed not to make a fool out of myself. Thinking of something to say quickly wasn't one of my strong points, but I managed pretty well, considering what was going on inside of my head.
"OK, cool. I didn't mean, I mean I didn't know....I don't know what I'm trying to say. So--cool. No harm, no foul. Alright, I'm going to go sit at that table right over there.", I said to Lane as I pointed at a table, "Why don't you go grab those drinks??"
"I'll be right back then. And Jaden--we're cool, alright??", Lane replied while walking backwards toward the Student Union.
"Yeah, alright.", I said. I tried smile, but I felt like it must look fake to him.
Once he saw me smile--even if it was fake--he turned around and ran up the steps toward the door of the Student Union. I watched him as he opened the door and disappeared inside of the building.
Once he was out of sight, I groaned aloud and started rubbing my forehead with my hand. What have I gotten myself into here?? I've been in almost constant turmoil since I met this guy. Maybe I should just walk away. I'm not sure if I can handle this. I'm not sure if I'm ready for this.
I looked to my left and saw the path leading to my apartment and safety. I looked to my right and saw the table I told Lane that George and I would be waiting at. What should I do?? What SHOULD I do??
I thought about it for a moment and made up my mind. I started walking toward.........
TO BE CONTINUED
OK--ANOTHER CLIFFHANGER!!!! HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA---I love to torture my readers.
So, what do you think?? Is Jaden going to go home, or will he wait for Lane, suck it up, and take a chance??
Be on the lookout for chapter 5 soon.
FEEDBACK, FEEDBACK, FEEDBACK---this is lifeblood for us writers, so please drop me a quick line. Thanks, Jaden.