Author's Note: Hey guys! Hope everyone is having a great summer and welcome to MC9: "Friends." It's a fairly short one before I hit you guys with the big one soon (no puns intended, of course :o). There's a couple of musical selection in this installment, Savage Garden's "You Can Still Be Free" and "Crash and Burn." They're both awesome songs, hope you'll give them a listen sometime.
Anyway, before we get to the feature presentation, I want to draw your attention to a wonderful little story called "Somebody," that a friend of mine sent to me a while back (which I have inserted below). It touched me deeply when I first read it. I thought I would share it with you, hopefully you will be moved by it too. The story shares the same theme as this installment and is a wonderful reminder of the more important things in life---love, support and friendship. True friendship is a rare and precious phenomenon. It's a two-way street that takes two to maintain. And each of us can only do our parts in hope that everything will work out, that it will last. But in the end, the only truly important thing is what we put into it. And whether it work out or not, at least we know that we did our best, that we tried, because it's worth trying. Anyhoo, enjoy!
"Somebody"
(Author Unknown)
There was a teenager who lived alone with his mother, and the two of them had a very special relationship. Even though the son was always on the bench, his mother was always in the stands cheering. She never missed a game. This young man was still the smallest of the class when he entered high school. But his mother continued to encourage him but also made it very clear that he did not have to play football if he didn't want to. But the young man loved football and decided to hang in there.
He was determined to try his best at every practice, and perhaps he'd get to play when he became a senior. All through high school he never missed a practice nor a game, but remained a bench warmer all four years. His faithful mother was always in the stands, always with words of encouragement for him. When the young man went to college, he decided to try out for the football team as a "walk-on." Everyone was sure he could never make the cut, but he did. The coach admitted that he kept him on the roster because he always puts his heart and soul into every practice, and at the same time, provided the other members with the spirit and hustle they badly needed. The news that he had survived the cut thrilled him so much that he rushed to the nearest phone and called his mother. His mother shared his excitement and was sent season tickets for all the college games. This persistent young athlete never missed practice during his four years at college, but he never got to play in the game. It was the end of his senior football season, and as he trotted onto the practice field shortly before the big playoff game, the coach met him with a telegram. The young man read the telegram and he became deadly silent. Swallowing hard, he mumbled to the coach, "My mother died this morning. Is it all right if I miss practice today?" The coach put his arm gently around his shoulder and said, "Take the rest of the week off, son. And don't even plan to come back to the game on Saturday.
Saturday arrived, and the game was not going well. In the third quarter, when the team was ten points behind, a silent young man quietly slipped into the empty locker room and put on his football gear. As he ran onto the sidelines, the coach and his players were astounded to see their faithful teammate back so soon. "Coach, please let me play. I've just got to play today," said the young man. The coach pretended not to hear him. There was no way he wanted his worst player in this close playoff game. But the young man persisted, and finally feeling sorry for the kid, the coach gave in. "All right," he said. "You can go in." Before long, the coach, the players and everyone in the stands could not believe their eyes. This little unknown, who had never played before was doing everything right. The opposing team could not stop him. He ran, he passed, blocked and tackled like a star. His team began to triumph. The score was soon tied. In the closing seconds of the game, this kid intercepted a pass and ran all the way for the winning touchdown. The fans broke loose. His teammates hoisted him onto their shoulders. Such cheering you've never heard! Finally, after the stands had emptied and the team had showered and left the locker room, the coach noticed that the young man was sitting quietly in the corner all alone. The coach came to him and said, "Kid, I can't believe it. You were fantastic! Tell me what got into you? How did you do it?" He looked at the coach, with tears in his eyes, and said, "Well, you knew my mom died, but did you know that my mom was blind?" The young man swallowed hard and forced a smile, "Mom came to all my games, but today was the first time she could see me play, and I wanted to show her I could do it!"
SO REMEMBER: Somebody is very proud of you. Somebody is thinking of you. Somebody is caring about you. Somebody misses you. Somebody wants to talk to you. Somebody wants to be with you.
Somebody hopes you are not in trouble. Somebody is thankful for the support you have provided. Somebody wants to hold your hand. Somebody hopes everything turns out all right.
Somebody wants you to be happy. Somebody want you to find him/her. Somebody wants to give you a gift. Somebody wants to hug you. Somebody thinks you are a gift.
Somebody admires your strength. Somebody wants to protect you. Somebody can't wait to see you. Somebody loves you for who you are.
Somebody treasures your spirit. Somebody is glad that you are their friend. Somebody wants to get to know you better. Somebody wants to be near you. Somebody wants you to know they are there for you. Somebody want to share their dreams with you.
Somebody is alive because of you. Somebody needs your support Somebody will cry when they read this.
Somebody needs you to have faith in them. Somebody trusts you. Somebody hears a song that reminds them of you. Somebody needs you to send this to them.
(I hope you've enjoyed this little sweet story/reminder as much as I did....mf. All due credits belongs to the unknown author). Now on with MC9:
Usual Disclaimer and Legal Stuff: The following story deals with male-to-male relationship and gay erotica. If this offends you or is illegal in your location and/or you are under the age of consent in your jurisdiction to read such materials, then you should exit this page now. This statement releases the author of the story and the site wherein this story is posted from any legal action or liability.
All rights reserved by author. This series is not to be reproduced, distributed, altered, or posted elsewhere without the expressed consent and written permission from the author. Copyright 2001.
Michael and Chance 9:
"Friends"
by
Michael T. Freeman
7/14/01
Chapter 21: Friends
Chance's weary body slumped onto the textured vinyl seat as he rested his weary head against the tinted glass window. He could barely keep his eyes opened as he rode the University's bus home. He has been up for the last 30 hours straight, finishing up his art project, and he feels completely exhausted after his project presentation. His eyes long to be shut as his body craves for sleep. The short bus ride soon brought him to his apartment building. Chance eagerly rushed into the elevator and pressed the button for the 9th floor. Usually, he would take the stairs for the exercise, but not today due to his physical exhaustion. Chance hurriedly opened his apartment door and nearly ran into Dade who was about to exit the apartment.
"Whoa...slow down there buddy!" Dade exclaimed with a crooked smile. "What's with the rush?"
"I'm so fuckin' tired is what!" Chance retorted as he quickly drop his backpack to the floor like a dead weigh. "Been up for over 30 hours straight to finish my project and all I want to do now is sleep to eternity!"
"I see. Well, have a good sleep." Dade smiled. "I'm off to class. Have another major, shitty exam to take. Wish me luck."
"Good luck!" Chance exclaimed wearily as he kicked off his shoes.
"Thanks," Dade replied as he exited the apartment.
Chance quickly shut and locked the door. Normally, he and Dade leave it open during the daytime, but he didn't want any of their neighbors to wander in and interrupt his sleep. Chance quickly stripped down to his boxers and jumped into bed. His tired body immediately succumbed to sleep.
I was busy editing the next installment for a series I'm writing for the Archive when I heard a familiar voice greeting me from behind. I immediately recognized the voice.
"If you type any faster, your fingers going to fall off!" Dade exclaimed jokingly as I turned around.
"Hey, Dade, how's it going? Good to see you here!" I replied as I stood up and shook his hand and gave him a one-handed hug.
I'm lounging at "E-Cafe!," the only internet cafe in town. I often come here for lunch and to do my work on my laptop.
"I'm doing good, even though I think I just bombed my test," Dade said matter-of-factly as he smiled pleasantly at me.
"Oh? Sorry to hear that. Let me buy you a consolatory drink then," I offered as I pulled out a chair for him.
"Thanks. I could use one. It's fuckin' hot out," Dade exclaimed as he sat down and wiped away the pearls of sweat from his forehead.
"So what happened? Didn't study enough or what?" I inquired.
"Not really. It was an open notebook test, and unfortunately, I forgot my notebook at home in my rush out of the apartment this morning." Dade shook his head. "I feel like such an idiot."
"Why didn't you just go back and get it?"
"I did rushed back home, only to find out that I have also forgotten my keys in the apartment, and the apartment was locked which it usually isn't. Just shitty luck." Dade smiled as I ordered him a drink.
"Was Chance home?"
"Yeah."
"Why didn't you just knock?"
"Because I knew that Chance was probably sleeping. He's been up for over 30 hours straight doing his project, and I didn't want to wake him up," Dade explained when his drink arrived.
I was pleasantly astonished by Dade's thoughtful consideration for Chance. Not many roommates would have been so thoughtful.
"Wow, that's very thoughtful and considerate of you," I interjected.
"It was nothing," Dade said casually as he sipped his cold drink. "He would have done the same for me." Dade smiled.
"Yeah, I'm sure he would." I smiled back. "Why didn't you go to the rental office to get a key to the apartment?"
"I did, but they were closed for lunch! Like I said, shitty luck!" Dade shook his head and chuckled. "Anyway, what are you working on?" he asked as he pointed to my laptop.
"Oh, just editing the next installment for the series I'm writing for the Archive."
"Oh, yeah!" Dade's eyes lit up. "I've been reading your series, and I'm anxious to find out what will happen next. Mind if I take a peek?"
"No, not at all!" I exclaimed, a bit surprised that he has been reading my work.
I finished the rest of my lunch while Dade skimmed through my writing. As I ate, I would occasionally turned to him and studied his facial expression as he reads. He would periodically smiled at me when he read certain parts of the installment.
"Wow, this is quite a turn of events!" Dade exclaimed when he finished reading and turned to me.
"Yeah, I guess it is." I grinned.
"Do you think that it might upset some of your readers?"
"I'm not sure...," I paused momentarily to ponder the possibility. "I guess it might upset some readers, but then again, I need to stay true to my literary intention," I replied.
"Yeah, of course," Dade concurred with a sexy smile. "Now, I'm really curious as to what to come!"
I laughed and glanced at my watch.
"Well, I better get going to my next class," I announced as I put away my laptop and stood up. "It was nice seeing you again Dade."
"Yeah, you too Michael." Dade grinned. "You going to be at my birthday bash this Friday, right?"
"Yeah, definitely!" I exclaimed. "It'll be your 21st birthday, right?"
"Yup, and I'm going to party my heart out at Club Paradise!" Dade laughed.
"Good, I'll see you then." I waved goodbye and took off on my bike.
Chance woke up to the grunting noise and pounding against his wall. It took him a few seconds to realize what was going on. Apparently, Dade was entertaining a guest in his room. And from the sound of the groaning, it must be a male guest. An orgasmic shriek pierced through the wall and the pounding gradually subsided. Chance glanced at his digital watch. It was past 2 in the afternoon, the following day.
"Shit, I've slept for over 24 hours!" Chance thought to himself. He thought about getting up, but decided to linger a little longer in bed. Several minutes later, he heard foot steps coming from Dade's room and then the closing of the apartment door. Chance looked at this watch again and decided that it was time to get up. He slowly got out of bed, stretched his body, and went into the bathroom and took a shower. The phone rang as he exited the bathroom.
(Later that evening)
Chance was in the middle of setting the dining table when he heard the sound of keys rattling and the apartment door knob turning. He turned to see Dade entering the apartment.
"Hey, finally decided to get up, huh?" Dade asked jokingly as he stared at the dining table curiously and smiled at Chance. "What's with the dining set-up for two? Is Michael coming over for dinner?"
"No." Chance smiled. "No one is coming over for dinner. It's just for us," Chance replied matter-of-factly.
"For us?" Dade retorted, a bit surprised by Chance's kind gesture. "You cooked for me?"
"Yeah, I did," Chance replied as he went into the kitchen to get the food. "Don't act like I've never cooked for you before!" Chance grinned.
"I know you have, but I'm curious as to what's the occasion." Dade scratched his head. "I thought we were going to do the birthday dinner thing tomorrow before we head off to the club?" Dade asked, still a bit puzzled.
Chance reappeared with a bowl of salads and a vegetarian pizza and set them on the table.
"We still are." Chance smiled. "This is a little thank-you dinner."
"Thank you...for what?" Dade gave Chance a perplexed look as he sat down at the table.
"For what you did for me yesterday."
"And what exactly did I do?" Dade asked curiously with a goofy smile on his face.
"For being so thoughtful and considerate. For not waking me up yesterday when you were locked out. I"m sorry about that."
"It's perfectly fine. It was my fault anyway. I should have taken my keys with me!" Dade replied. "But how..."
"Michael called me earlier and told me what happened," Chance quickly interjected. "God, enough with the interrogation...just fuckin' eat!" Chance smiled and served Dade a slice of pizza. Dade gladly complied.
"Wow, it's pretty good, Chance!" Dade exclaimed. "You made this?"
"Yeah, with a little help from "Boboli." Chance winked. "I decided to use soy cheese to make it interesting even though I knew you could eat dairy products. They were so hard to find. I finally found some at the University's Food Co-op."
Dade smiled appreciatively at Chance and thank him. "I really appreciate it. But you didn't have to cook for me."
"No, but I wanted to," Chance replied and smiled.
************ (The next day)
Chance glanced at his watch as he opened the apartment door. "Great, one hour before Dade and I need to take off for the restaurant for his birthday dinner. Enough time to shower and change," Chance thought to himself as he closed the door behind him. As he walked towards his room, he heard the faint sound of music coming from Dade's room. As he approached Dade's room, he quickly recognized the song; it's Savage Garden's "You Can Still Be Free," one of Dade's favorites. He lightly knocked on the door before pushing it open.
"Hey, Dade!" Chance greeted his buddy. "Ready to take off soon for the restaurant?"
Dade was sitting on the edge of his bed, shirtless with a pairs of black dress pants and socks on, sharing at a letter in his hands. Dade snapped out of his trance and turned to Chance.
"Oh, hey, Chance," Dade replied.
"How's it going?" Chance asked as he entered the room and sat across from Dade. He quickly noticed Dade's pensiveness and the letter in his hands. "What's going on? What do you have there?" Chance asked curiously.
"Huh...," Dade paused before turning to Chance and looked him in the eyes, "you're not going to believe this, but it's a letter from my mom."
"What???" Chance frowned in disbelief. "What do you mean from your mom? I thought she was..."
"She is," Dade finished his buddy's sentence. "She wrote this before she died." Dade paused and suddenly bursted into tears. Chance immediately embraced Dade tightly. The tears quickly subsided as Chance stroke the back of Dade's head and back. They sat in silence for a few minutes. Dade finally broke the silence.
"My family lawyer, Ikaiya, stopped by earlier while you were out to get my signatures on some inheritance papers. Apparently, I now have full access to my trust fund along with the rest of my parents' asset," Dade said calmly.
"That's wonderful, Dade," Chance said softly.
"Yeah, but I don't care about that," Dade replied as he redirect his gaze to the letter in his hands.
"I know, Dade." Chance reached over and squeezed Dade's hand. "I know."
"Ikaiya also came to personally deliver this letter to me. My mom gave it to him for safe keeping before she died and requested that he gives it to me on my 21st birthday. He was a good friend of my mom and the family." Dade continued to stare blankly at the letter.
"Have you read it?" Chance asked curiously since the letter didn't look like it has been opened.
"No, I have," Dade replied. "I've been staring at it for over an hour now, and I still can't bring myself to read it.
"I understand," Chance said empathetically.
"I'm so nervous," Dade confessed.
"I know," Chance replied softly as he squeezed Dade's sweaty hand.
"If you don't mind, I was hoping that you would read it aloud to me." Dade looked searchingly at Chance with his puppy's brown eyes.
"No, not at all. It would be an honor," Chance replied calmly as Dade handed him the letter.
It's quarter till six. I have a little over an hour to get ready for Dade's birthday celebration. Chance should be here in a little while to pick me up. So I decided to hit the shower and start getting ready for tonight outing. After hopping out of the shower, I quickly got dress. I decided on a pairs of black leather pants and shoes, and a sleeveless, grey elastic shirt with a black dragon logo on it at mid-chest. I was in the middle of dabbing on my "Eternity" cologne and putting on my beaded chock-necklace when someone knocked on my apartment door. I glanced at the wall clock. Six-thirty. "Couldn't be Chance!" I thought to myself as I opened the door.
"Stacy!" I exclaimed when I saw who was standing in the doorway. She had a dejected look on her face. I quickly changed my cheerful tone. "Hey, what's wrong, Stace?" I asked with concern.
"I'm sorry to bother you, Michael," Stacy apologized. "Are you going out?" she asked as she pointed to my outfit.
"No, not just yet, but in a little while with Chance to celebrate his friend's birthday," I replied as I ushered her in. "Come on in."
"Maybe I should come back at another time. I'll just talk to you later." Stacy started to turn away, but I quickly stopped her.
"Really, it's fine, Stace," I assured her. "Please come in. What's wrong?"
Stacy hesitated a bit but finally came in and sat down on the couch. "I'm sorry Michael. I hate to bother you," she apologized needlessly again. "I just need to talk to someone."
"Stace, it's no bother at all. I'm always here for you, you know that. Tell me what's going on?"
Stacy looked away for a few seconds and suddenly bursted into tears. I quickly sat next to her and comfort her.
"Stace, what's the matter? Why are you crying?"
Embarrassed by her emotional outburst, Stacy quickly halted her tears and sighed. "Brian and I got into another fight."
"I see. I'm sorry, Stace,"
"Yeah, me too." She sighed regretfully. "I hate it when we get into these arguments."
"What did you guys argued about," I asked.
"It was so stupid. We got into this big argument because Brian wanted me to attend his football game this Sunday, but I didn't want to go since we have our weekly swing dancing sessions on Sundays," Stacy explained as I handed her some tissues.
"Yeah, I really enjoy our weekly swing dancing lessons," I replied. Stacy and I attend an informal swing dancing gathering at a local park each Sundays.
"Yeah, me too. That why I don't want to miss it and opted not to go to his football game. It's important to me, and Brian doesn't seem to understand that. He got pretty mad at me about it, and accused me of spending more time with my friends than him. Which is not true!"
"What an asshole!" I thought to myself. "Why doesn't she just dump the fuckin' loser?"
"Whether it is or not, it shouldn't matter. You have the right to do whatever you want, with whomever you want, at anytime you want," I asserted. "And if he doesn't understand that you are an individual with your own interests and priorities, then that's his problem, if you ask me."
"Thanks, Michael." Stacy strained a smile.
"You bet." I winked a her and gave her a hug. "I'm really proud of you, you know."
"Why?" Stacy asked curiously with curious smile.
"Because you stood up for yourself, for what you wanted." I smiled and gave her a kiss on the forehead.
"Thanks. I know you probably need to get out of here so I'll be on my way," Stacy announced as she stood up.
Even though Stacy seems to be feeling better, I didn't feel right leaving her alone in her times of need so I quickly interjected and stopped her from leaving, "You don't have to go, Stace. We can talk a little more. It's just a birthday party. I don't have to go to it."
"No really, you have been a big help, Michael. I don't want to take up any more of your time, especially when you have other plans," Stacy insisted and started to head for the door.
I quickly stopped her. "Stacy, really, it's okay. I want to be here for you, so don't fight with me on this. And I'm going stay home regardless if you walk out that door or stay," I insisted adamantly and gave her my serious look. She finally gave in and sat back down.
I figured I better call Chance and let him know that I won't be able to make it to Dade's birthday party, that I need to comfort a friend, when the phone rang.
Chance slowly opened Dade's letter and unfolded it. He looked at Dade and squeezed his hand briefly before proceeding to read the letter. Dade looked at him nervously with excited anticipation.
"My dearest, sweetest Dade," Chance began. "Happy birthday son. You much have reached your 21st birthday if you are reading this. God, how I wish I could be there in person to look into your beautiful brown eyes and give you a big birthday hug and kiss."
Tears started to well in Dade's eyes. Chance looked at Dade briefly before proceeding on.
"Instead, I am left to imagine the young man you have grown up to be. Utterly strong and beautiful like your dad, I'm sure. With a heart of gold and a soul of light, without a doubt."
Tears trickled down Dade's beautiful face. Chance squeezed his buddy's hand firmly. Dade sighed and gestured for Chance to continue on.
"I hope that the past years have treated you well, my son. I hope that your dad and grandma are taking good care of you. And I hope that you have forgiven me for leaving you so soon."
"I have, Mom...I have," Dade uttered softly and suddenly broke down in tears, sobbing uncontrollably. Chance immediately put down the letter to comfort his best friend in the world. He quickly hugged Dade as tears started to roll down his own face. Chance couldn't helped but cried as he felt his buddy's sorrow and pain. "It's okay, Dade. I'm here...I'm here," Chance assured Dade as he rubbed his back rhythmically. Dade nodded and halted his tears. "Please go on," Dade mumbled. Chance nodded and proceeded on with the letter.
"I am so sorry, honey. I really am. I would give anything to be with you. But unfortunately I can't. It was my time to go. But I want you to know that I love you so very much, Dade, with all my heart and soul. Then and now. Forever. And no matter where life takes you, my son, know that I am always here with you in spirit. Always. Just look inside your heart, and there I'll be. I promise. Please don't ever forget that. Because you are my heart, my soul, my everything. Now and forever.
Lastly, I wish you the very best, all the love, joy, beauty, and happiness in the world. Happy birthday son. Take good care of yourself. I love you....Mom."
Chance wiped away his tears as he slowly folded up the letter and put it in its envelop. He embraced Dade tightly as tears continued to stream down Dade's face. Chance continued to hold Dade steadfastly, letting him know that he's there for him. No words exchanged between the two, just the soft hissing of Dade's sobbing and the music of Savage Garden's "Crash and Burn," playing softly in the background. Dade slowly regained his composure as his tears subsided. He wiped away the last of his tears and strained a smile.
"Thanks, Chance. I really appreciate your being here for me."
"It's my pleasure, Dade. I'm always here for you, you know that." Chance smiled as he gave his buddy a side hug.
"Yeah, I know." Dade smiled appreciatively and sighed. "Well, I know that you have a big night of celebration planned for me, but to be honest, I really don't feel like it. Do you mind if we bag the whole thing, and do it some other time. I'm just not in the celebrating mood."
"You got it. Say no more. I completely understand," Chance replied. "Let me call everyone and cancel it, ok?"
Dade nodded appreciatively.
"And then, I'll call in some delivery food, and we can just have a quiet dinner or something. How does that sound?" Chance suggested as he reached for the phone.
"That sounds perfect," Dade replied and then leaned in and kissed Chance softly on the lips. He slowly back away, smiled sweetly and whispered, "Thanks for being such a great friend, Chance."
"You bet." Chance smiled. "Always."
To be continued.
Author's Note: Well, hope you've enjoyed this short installment. Next installment, MC10, will contain the Series' cliffhanger. Also, thx to everyone who participated in the poll for favorite MC's character. The poll is still opened for those who are interested in voicing their opinions. I'll include the result in future installment soon. Alright take care. Cheers! ;o)
As always, I welcome your comments, suggestions and constructive criticisms. Let me know what you think of my story. They can be sent to mf900@yahoo.com All flames can be forwarded to: trashcan.com (he.hee.)