DISCLAIMER: The following story is completely FICTIONAL is does not imply anything concerning the private life of Paul walker or Josh Hartnett. I don't know them and I don't know anything about their lives. This story is only meant as fiction and does in no way describe real occurrences, situations or facts. All other persons mentioned in this story are fictional. Any resemblance to an existing person, company or business is totally coincidental. Author's note: Just want to stress again that this story is complete fiction. In this chapter there's some talk about their families and childhood. That's all made up ok. I have no idea what their real lives look like so please keep that in mind. For the rest: Enjoy chapter 9 and please let me know what you think ok? I'm sorry it took so long for me too finish this chapter but writers block is a funny thing. Sometimes you go days without being able to write a single word and then it suddenly hits you...All I want to give away right now is that this story has a few turns in store you won't expect. stay tuned: definitely more to come.
Paul & Josh: Chapter 9:
...
He walked through the streets of New York, not really sure where he was going. The streets were as deserted as they'll ever be in the city and the cold night-air seemed so crisp you could take a bite out of it.
While he walked down the streets he tried to remember the last time he had been in a city as big as NY. It seemed ages ago. He hadn't been really sure why he had come here, until tonight. He had seen what he came for but even he was confused by his reaction. He couldn't remember the last time he had felt like this. He walked back along the traces of his life. After he had turned away from everyone at the age of 16 he had lived a different life. He had seen more sides of men's evil and darkness in one year than most people would in their lifetime. He didn't regret anything...His choices had made him the person he was today. His strength came from the choice he made, but tonight he'd seen the life he'd never lived...because of his choice.
...
Paul was standing in front of the window looking at the sunrise. He had been awake since Josh had woken up screaming earlier that night. Even though Josh had fallen back asleep after a while Paul couldn't. He was too worried about Josh. The sight of Josh simply crumbling down played over and over in his mind. It was without a doubt the scariest thing he'd ever seen. After Josh had fallen back asleep he had gotten up. He didn't want to fall asleep in case something might happen, and even if he wanted to he probably couldn't have.
The sun had risen when Josh awoke. He immediately noticed he was alone in the bed. He got up to see where Paul was at. When he entered the kitchen he saw Paul standing by the window looking outside.
"You're up awfully early" Josh said.
Paul hadn't noticed Josh behind him so he jumped a bit when his voice broke the silence in the apartment. "Couldn't sleep..." he answered as he turned around.
"Everything all right?" He asked with concern
"I'm fine" Josh answered, smiling at Paul's concern.
"Really...you really scared me tonight, you know." Paul said.
"I'm fine!" Josh reassured him as he put his arm over Paul's shoulders and pulled him into a hug. "I was just tired and worn out I guess,...don't worry about it".
"You want to get some breakfast?" Paul asked, changing the subject.
"Yeah, I'm quite hungry actually." Josh smiled as he noticed Paul's worries started to disappear.
"Any suggestions?" Paul asked.
"Yeah...actually...Let's head out...I'm dying for an espresso right now". Josh answered.
"Are you?" Paul grinned, "ok let's get ready and let's get going."
After they'd both taken a shower and got themselves dressed they left the apartment in search of some breakfast. Even though it was still early in the morning the city was preparing for another day. As the two boys walked by newspapers were being delivered to the newsstands. Shopkeepers were unloading supplies from trucks and the mailman was doing his round. They both enjoyed being out this early. They somehow felt more at ease knowing most people were still asleep, safe for the businesspeople and manager-like types who from the looks of it never go to sleep that is. The found a little coffee-shop that looked decent enough to get some breakfast. They made their way in and settled at a table in a corner. After the waitress had taken their orders and brought them their food they started talking.
"so we're leaving for your parents home this evening, right?" Josh asked in-between two bites of sandwich.
"yeah" Paul answered, "you know I'm really looking forward to seeing them again. It's been a while. And I want you to meet them too."
"That's cool" Josh smiled. He took another bite out of his sandwich before continuing; "Can I ask you something Paul?"
"Sure" Paul replied, "and I've told you: you don't have to ask"
"How did you tell them you were...you know?" Josh hesitated to ask.
Paul smiled at Josh's question but didn't mind answering: "Well...it took me about 3 years to figure out I was gay...after that it took me another year to finally work up the courage to tell them. One evening, we'd just come home from a family diner in a restaurant I can't remember and I told them I had something important to tell them. We sat down around the kitchen table and...well I told them."
"How did they react?" Josh asked intrigued.
"Well..." Paul smiled, "My dad congratulated me and opened up a bottle of wine, one he had been saving for a special occasion he said."
"What?" Josh asked confused.
"They said they'd always known." Paul continued, "My mother said she'd known from the moment I was born and they were happy to see I had come to terms with it. They've always been very supportive." Paul smiled at the memories that came back while telling the story to Josh.
"Sounds like they're really cool parents." Josh sighed.
"They are" Paul agreed and, reading Josh's thoughts he added, "and don't worry...I'm sure your parents won't come down on you as you think they will."
"I hope you're right." Josh sighed.
"You need to stop worrying so much..." Paul smiled. "Whatever happens you know I'll be there. But again I'm sure they'll accept it."
"I wish I could have your confidence" Josh said, "but you don't know them...They're very religious and my dad was in the military...not exactly a biography that says `ok with my son being gay'."
Paul smiled a bit at Josh's comment but deep down he was more worried then he showed. He knew the place Josh was at right now and he knew it would devastate him if his parents didn't react the way they both hoped they would. But those were worries for the future. Right now the were about to go to his parents for the week-end. He was really looking forward to seeing them again, and he was even more excited with the idea of introducing Josh to them.
After they finished their breakfast they headed back to Paul's apartment. It took them some time to pack some clothes and other stuff together. But eventually there were two suitcases standing by the door. Paul was checking every electrical appliance to make sure they were all plugged out, in case of a thunderstorm while they were away. Josh was checking the windows. When they had completed their mental checklist they grabbed their cases and headed to the parking lot.
It would take nearly a five hour drive to the home Paul grew up in, but considering the company they had in eachother, neither guy minded. With Willie Nelson playing in the background Josh looked out of the window as they slowly left New York City behind. It was weird but as they left the city Josh felt like a burden fell of his shoulders. Some unexplained worry seemed to fade away with the city. He felt a certain relief as the memory of his bad dreams and paranoid feelings sank away to the back of his mind.
...
"This is without a doubt the weirdest thing I've ever encountered!" was all the confused air-port security agent could think. He had worked at JFK airport for over fifteen years. During that time he had seen the most creative ways to hide drugs...stuff you couldn't begin to imagine. He had seen exotic animals hidden in spaces you couldn't fit your foot in...but this was definitely a first. Furthermore the regulations didn't even mention this, so he had to call his superiors to ask for instructions. After they decided nothing illegal had occurred he turned back to the woman sitting in front of his desk.
"I'm sorry for the inconvenience miss." He spoke "As strange as this has been, there is no law prohibiting you to carry a goat-skull in your suitcase...same goes for the dog bones and the other stuff your carrying."
The woman smiled as she heard the man apologize. She had expected as much but she thought the whole situation was quite funny. The security agent took one last look at her before she left his office. Her brown tan, grey-white hair...and above all her intense eyes gave her a friendly yet somewhat threatening aura. As she left he wondered what a woman like that could be doing in New York.
...
Even though they had been on the road for nearly two hours it felt like they had just left NY. Paul and Josh took the opportunity to talk about everything that came to mind. They had talked about the movie that was about finished but after a while changed the subject to different things. From music to sports to politics to whatever anecdotes came to mind. For the last few minutes the conversation had died down a bit. Both guys were simply enjoying the ride, and off course each others company. Josh was lost in thoughts while he stared through the window at the houses, streets and towns they passed. In the background he could still hear Willie Nelson, this time singing `you were always on my mind'. he tried to remember the last time he had felt this good about his life...it seemed ages ago.
"Are you still with me?" Paul asked his passenger.
"Yeah" Josh smiled at Paul's question. "Just enjoying the ride, I guess." "Can I ask you something" Josh continued the conversation.
"Oh Oh" Paul laughed, "Every time you ask me if you can ask me something...it's something serious...but nevertheless, shoot."
"Aren't we Mr. funny today" Josh couldn't help but laugh, "anyways...I was just thinking about all that happened the past couple of weeks..." His words trailed of as he tried to formulate his thoughts.
"And...?" Paul asked curious.
"Well..." Josh continued. "A few weeks ago we were, at least I was, lone and miserable...and now...I can't remember when I've been this happy. I mean...doesn't it seem strange when you think of it...How everything seems to `ve just fallen into place like that?"
Paul couldn't help but smile. He'd been thinking the same thing. "Well, I guess that's just what life is about. Sometimes good things just happen. Who are we to argue with fate." He responded, still smiling. He couldn't help but be touched by moments like these...when they just seemed to connect on a level neither one could fully comprehend.
"You believe in fate then?" Josh asked.
"Yeah, if it's in the cards...it'll happen." Paul replied. " I'm just happy you were in there." He joked.
Josh couldn't help but laugh. He lay back against the carseat and just continued to enjoy the moment. As Willie nelson continue to sing they rode into the twilight glow of the sunset
<<It's been rough and rocky travelin', But I'm finally standin' upright on the ground. After takin' several readings, I'm surprised to find my mind`s still fairly sound.
I guess Nashville was the roughest, But I know I said the same about them all. We received our education In the cities of the nation, me and Paul.>>
I know this isn't exactly the longest chapter, but I'll try to get chapter 10 up before the end of the week. Please let me know what you thing (beer4myhorses@hotmail.com)
Thanx 4 waiting.