Ra Adventures

RA Adventures (C) KV 2000

If you're offended by sexual activities between men, or if you're younger than 18, it is my (sad) duty to ask you to leave. If you're over 18 and meant to be here, please, kick back, relax and enjoy! The response to the story thus far has far exceeded my expectations (especially with this being my first story). All I can say is thank you. There's more on the way, though please be patient with me. I'm dishing this out as fast as is reasonable (considering I actually have a career and what not). Do stay tuned for coming attractions. Also, I'm still adding people to the update list. If you'd like to be one of those people, just let me know.

Chapter 9

I sped down the interstate after the ambulance. It had smelled antiseptic and sterile. I had just sat there, dumbfounded and numb. The paramedics had been talking to Clint to keep him awake. I guessed it was because of the blood loss or maybe the possibility of a concussion. It was all very surreal. The words became just sounds jumbling together in my head.

When we arrived at the hospital I walked in as they were whisking him away to an emergency OR to close the wound and do a head x-ray, I hoped. I sat in a small uncomfortable chair in a waiting room trying to decide what I should do. I decided it was best to get some information from the doctor before making any rash phone calls. I did my best to try some relaxation techniques, and I succeeded in making myself sleepy. I got up to search for a Coke machine or something of the sort. Finding one and getting a soda I walked down the hall. A doctor in green scrubs met me in the hall and stopped in front of me.

"Are you the person that brought Clint Tucker?" he asked.

"Yes. I'm Kevin McReardon." I was acting so morbid even though logic dictated that everything was probably going to be ok. I felt like I was in some movie where you're in suspense in spite of yourself. The good guy doesn't die, right?

"I'm Dr. McKinley. Clint's going to be alright." I breathed an audible sigh of relief. "He has a nasty gash to the leg, but fortunately no concussion. We had to give him a transfusion because of the blood loss. He's out of the red, but it's standard to keep him overnight to keep an eye on him. Are you alright?"

I looked down and remembered that in my haste I had put my shirt back on and I also noticed that my jeans were covered in dried blood. I'd just have to grin and bear it.

"Yeah, a little shaken, but otherwise ok. His leg will be okay, though?"

"It'll take a little while to heal since the cut is so jagged, but yes, he'll be fine. It's a miracle that he missed severing any tendons. We called in a plastic surgeon to finish the sutures. In a couple of months it'll be just a memory." I nodded. "I have to ask, though," he continued, "how did it happen?"

"It was really rather dumb, as I guess most accidents are. We were just walking on the beach and he decided to climb this large black boulder-thing. I suppose he lost his footing or something. The next thing I saw was him bleeding."

"He tried to climb Glass Rock?!" he asked incredulously.

"I beg your pardon?" I was confused.

"Glass Rock. That thing is mostly obsidian...most people know not to even try. He's lucky he didn't do worse than he did."

"I'll remind him..." I answered with a smile. The doctor smiled back.

"That was some good work you did out there. It's nice to see someone who can think on their feet. He's lucky to have a friend like you."

"Umm...thanks. I'll probably remind him of that, too." The doctor kept grinning.

"He shouldn't be much longer in the OR. We'll put him on crutches for several days so he doesn't pull the sutures. See that he stays off his feet for a few days."

"Will do, doc. Thanks for your help."

"Always," he said over his shoulder as he walked back down the hall.

I breathed a huge sigh of relief. It'd been closer than I cared to admit.

Some time later the doctor came back and told me I could look in on Clint if I wanted to. I followed directions to his room and looked in. He was completely unconscious. Since the nurse assured me he was fine and stable, I went back in search of a more comfortable waiting room. I found one that had something that might, by some standards, meet the definition of a sofa. At that point, it might as well have been a king- size bed. I collapsed on it and knew no more.

I woke up the next morning to a crick in my neck and a loud growling in my stomach. I walked around and located the cafeteria and got a cup of coffee and a bagel. I found and asked one of the nurses on Clint's floor about him and she told me he should be awake and ready to leave soon.

About an hour later I saw Clint coming down the hall in a wheelchair, pushed by another one of the nurses. He was carrying a pair of crutches and his expression was somewhat blank...somewhere in between shock, relief and exhaustion. I stood up and met them.

"How do you feel?" I asked.

"Kinda shitty. Can we go home?" I felt the beginnings of a grin on my lips.

"Yeah. I'll pull the car around." I nodded at the nurse and left to retrieve my car from the parking lot.

I pulled around to the front entrance and helped Clint into the passenger seat. I then stowed the crutches in the back seat and we were off. We didn't say a word for the longest time, which was fine. We were both tired and I was sure we'd have plenty to say later. Neither one of us was much for theatrics.

About half an hour later we pulled into the driveway of the condo. I killed the engine and had my hand on the door when Clint reached over and put his hand on my shoulder. I turned and met his clear blue eyes.

"Thanks," he said, "for everything." The expression on his face spoke volumes.

I nodded. "You're welcome." With that I did get out and go around to help him out of the car.

I grabbed the crutches and propped them against the side of the car while I helped Clint out. He put his arm over my shoulders and I wrapped mine around his muscled back. His skin was warm under the t-shirt. When he had gotten the crutches in place we slowly made our way to the condo. I helped him up the stairs and he went straight for the bedroom. The medical staff had cut open the leg of his jeans, so there wasn't a lot to getting out of them. He was asleep almost as soon as he lay down on the bed. I brushed my teeth, grabbed a pillow and collapsed onto one of the twin beds in an adjacent room.

I lay on the bed staring at the ceiling trying to process everything that had happened. My life really had a way of throwing curve balls at me. I tried to put names to my emotions and maybe sort through them. I was still pissed at Clint. Not entirely sure why, but it was the easier emotion to identify. I was angry that he and Christi weren't even going to give things a shot. I was angry with him for acting childish. I was angry that he'd scared me. It was easier to be angry about things. I got up, enjoyed a tall glass of cold water and went back to bed.

I loaded up the car and we were ready to leave the beach before sundown. We made arrangements with Elizabeth's family to come pick Clint's car up the following weekend. After insuring the condo was in decent condition, we were on our way.

Clint still wasn't very talkative, so we listened to the radio and whatever assortment of CDs we happened to have. I decided to let him think out whatever he needed to. He spent most of the trip staring out the window or asleep.

The next several weeks were unremarkably the same. Summer gave full way to autumn and the leaves began their whole changing colors routine. With all the trees around our apartment it looked like the trees were somehow ablaze. The weather was decidedly cooler, which was a relief from the scorching heat. My mood matched the dying colors...mostly drab with the occasional flash of life.

Clint and I saw each other mostly in passing. Work had been getting very tedious and I was putting in a lot of overtime. Clint's attitude was still somewhat sullen and withdrawn. He was wrapped up in his schoolwork trying to finish out the semester well. His leg had healed remarkably well and, fortunately, hadn't cost him much downtime from his schoolwork. Amidst it all, we were planning a farewell party for Christine. I didn't really ever succeed in really clearing my thoughts, but at least I had my work to concentrate on. I did that marvelously.

Finally, we were a week away from Christi's departure and a little over two weeks away from Thanksgiving. Clint and I hadn't made much headway in planning the get- together. I decided to take it upon myself to plan the remainder of it and asked Clint to take charge of the guest list. He seemed okay with the idea so we each got to work.

I decided to have the party at our apartment complex's clubhouse. We could rent it for not too much money; it was private...it was perfect. Once that was decided, it was all pretty easy from there. I called the guest from the list Clint had put together and arranged a money pool for drinks and a gift. That being done, I only had to wait.

The day before the party I made a rather extended trip to the grocery store after I got off work. I got a multitude of snacks and then stopped at the liquor store for the drinks. Feeling rather well stocked, I headed home.

I came in to an empty apartment. I supposed Clint was with Chris enjoying the last of their together time. I unloaded the drinks and snacks and walked them over to the clubhouse. I set up a rather improvisational bar and suddenly kicked myself for not getting a better bartender than myself. Not only did I not want to do it all night, but also there were far better drink-mixers than me.

After a stroke of insight I phoned Matt to see if I could call in a favor.

"Hello?" came a familiar voice.

"Matt?"

"Kev! Hey dude! What's up? Long time no speak."

"I know. I'm hangin' in there. You?"

"Ready for the end of the semester, but otherwise ok. So what's on your mind?"

"Can't I just call to talk?" I asked.

"Right. So, what am I doing for you to get to spend some time with you?"

"Am I really that bad?"

"Nah..." he answered sarcastically. "So, really, what's up?"

"Feel up to tending bar for Chris' farewell party tomorrow night?"

"Sure. I have my clinicals tomorrow afternoon, but I should be done by late afternoon."

"You're a lifesaver," I said. "The party starts at 8, but if you show up at 7 or so we'll catch up then."

"Cool. Sounds good. See you tomorrow, then."

"G'night, bud."

I felt a twinge of guilt for not keeping in touch with Matt as well as I should have. Not being in the dorm, or even on campus, was having a detrimental effect on my social life. This was one friendship I definitely didn't want to screw up. I made a mental note to call at least once a week.

Maybe it was the renewed contact with Matt, or maybe it was just one of those days, but I had a strong craving for a screwdriver. I fished around and finally located our bottle of Absolut as well as a fresh container of orange juice I had picked up at the store. Of course, it was intended for breakfast. Screw breakfast.

I had just sat down on the sofa and taken my first sip when the phone rang. Sometimes the damn thing just seems alive...it rang annoyingly from, of course, across the room. I sighed and got up to get it.

"Hello?"

"Hello," came back a silky female voice, "this is Martina Tucker -- Clint's mother. Is this Kevin?" she asked. She had the faintest trace of an accent in her voice, though I couldn't quite place it.

"Yes, this is Kevin." I smiled into the receiver. "I'm afraid you've missed Clint, though. He's out...somewhere."

"No doubt. It's nice to finally, um, meet you -- even if it is over the telephone."

"Yes ma'am, you too."

"We really should do this properly, which is why I was calling, actually. I realize it's rather late notice, but do you have plans for Thanksgiving?"

"Um, no. My family's a little too far away to fly home, so I had planned on spending it here."

"Fantastic. We'd be honored if you'd join us."

"Well, it sounds wonderful, but I wouldn't want to intrude on your family time..."

"Nonsense," she cut me off, "I really won't take no for an answer." I could hear the smile in her voice. It was compelling. I felt a grin spread across my face.

"Alright. I accept."

"Good. If you hadn't I would have had to return your ticket. This makes matters much simpler." She laughed a charming infectious laugh. I knew where Clint got it. "Would you let Clint know I called?"

"Of course. Thanks again, Mrs. Tucker."

"I'm looking forward to it. Take care, dear."

"Yes ma'am."

"Good night."

I turned off the phone and carried it back to the sofa with me. I smiled to myself. Maybe the end of the year would be better. I didn't know if Clint was privy to his mother's invitation, but I figured I'd leave that between them. I finished the last of my drink in leisure and was off to bed.

I woke up at my own time the next morning. I loved the weekend. I didn't feel like a heavy breakfast, so cereal was the taste of the day. I was halfway through with my bowl when the phone rang. Having learned from previous mistakes, I had brought it to the table with me.

"Um...hello?" I muttered through a mouthful of cereal.

"Kev? Is that you?" came back Clint's voice. I swallowed my mouthful.

"Yeah, sorry. I was in the middle of a bowl of cereal when the phone rang."

"Cool. Look, I just wanted to let you know that I'm with Chris. I meant to call last night but the time got away from me."

"No problem, dude. Everything is pretty well taken care of. Oh, your mom called last night and asked that I let you know she had called."

"Good. Did she ask you?"

"Ask me what?" I played dumb.

"About Thanksgiving...?" he trailed off.

"Oh, that. Yeah, she did."

"And?"

"And I think I'll be in trouble if I don't go." He just laughed.

"Good. I was hoping you'd come. Look, I know things have been nuts lately and I was hoping we could just chill and stuff."

"That'd be good. So, I assume you're bringing Chris later on?"

"Yeah," he lowered his voice, "we'll be there a little after eight so that people have time to get there."

"Nice. Well, I'll see you then."

"Later, Kev."

"Bye."

I spent the rest of the morning trying to figure out how I was going to get Christi's present wrapped. We had gotten her a somewhat large and cumbersome original painting by a rather known local artist. I was pleased. It was murder trying to buy something for Chris...whatever it was would have to be *just so. She was Martha Stewart and Princess Di rolled into one. I decided she'd be pleased, too. If she wasn't, she could pretend. Naughty Kevin.

I never did figure out how I got stuck doing the wrapping. Weren't guys supposed to suck at this kind of thing? I called Elizabeth and coerced her to come over and wrap it in exchange for my dashing company and a sandwich from a local deli. She said she'd come for the sandwich.

Elizabeth was a friend I had made my freshman year -- a very sweet girl with absolutely no romantic potential. Occasionally a group of friends (including me) would go to her family's beach condo. It was a great getaway and I'm afraid we kept in touch more because of that than any other reason.

Once she arrived, we enjoyed a nice lunch over which I filled her in on the details of our encounter with Glass Rock. She filled me in on other horror stories about it but conceded that ours was close to the top of the list. After some more chatting and ingenious gift-wrapping, she left to get ready and we agreed that we needed to catch up more often.

The remainder of the afternoon was spent cleaning up the apartment and getting everything ready. About six o'clock I finally jumped in the shower and was clad in nothing but my boxer briefs when I heard a knock at the door. I presumed it was Matt and forfeited putting the rest of my clothes on and went to answer the door.

I had presumed correctly. His deep red curls were gelled in place and he was wearing a deep green shirt that hugged his sculpted torso and matched his eyes perfectly.

"Come on in, dude. I was just getting dressed," I said and walked back down the hall. Matt shut the door behind him and whistled at me. I turned long enough to smirk at him.

"Well, you're still looking good, bud," he said smiling.

"Um, thanks. How've you been?"

"Busy, like you."

"I'm sorry I haven't called. It's been pretty crazy lately. A lot's going on."

"Yeah, I heard about your deal with the beach and rock thing. That's nuts. Clint's okay?" I finished buttoning my shirt and motioned Matt to follow me to the living room.

"The leg's fine, thank goodness." I offered Matt a coke, which he accepted. We then moved to the sofa.

"Just the leg, huh?" He raised his eyebrow in a questioning look.

"He's been acting a little weird lately. Ever since he fell he's been kinda quiet...not really himself. Then again, his girlfriend is leaving and I know that's hitting him harder than he cares to admit."

"Sounds like you've got it pretty figured out."

"I'm a good liar, then." I smiled. He smiled back. "I haven't really thought a whole lot about it. I'm supposed to go to his house for Thanksgiving, so maybe he'll open up then."

"Maybe."

"So," I said, changing the subject, "how's life with you?"

"Well, aside from my best friend missing in action, I can't complain."

"Sorry bro. You know it's not 'cause I'm avoiding you, right?"

"Yeah, I'm just playing. I do miss hanging out."

"Me too." I met his gaze and he gave me a sideways grin and a very intense look. His deep green eyes were to drown in. We didn't say anything for what seemed like ten minutes, but was probably only a few seconds. Lot of water under that bridge. "How's Michelle?" I finally asked.

He looked away with an almost pained expression in his eyes. "Fine...she's fine."

I paused. "Are you ever going to tell her?"

"About what?" he looked back at me.

"About you."

"What about me?"

"Matt...c'mon dude. This is me." He looked away again.

"Eventually...probably," he muttered.

"You look like I just kicked you in the gut, dude. This was *your decision, remember?"

He swallowed hard. "Yeah, I know."

"And I guess you're sticking to it, too...aren't you?" He nodded.

"That's fine. I just don't want it to be like this every time we get together. I'm not up to it. And when you look at me like you're remembering what it felt like to kiss me, it doesn't help any."

He nodded again. "I know. It's not fair to you."

"*Life's not fair, Matt. Look, all I'm saying is I want us to be cool. You offered me just your friendship. If those are the terms, then I'm prepared to accept them. But if it's going to be like that, then it has to stay like that."

"I'm sorry," he finally managed.

"Matt, don't be sorry. I'm not trying to make you feel like shit, dude. Our friendship is really important to me and I just need it to be something that I understand, something that I know isn't gonna change. I've never had to be careful what I said or did around you and I don't wanna have to start now." A small grin spread over his face and he took a deep breath.

"Yeah. You're right. I guess I have my days."

"Me too...me too. So we're cool?" I smiled at him.

"We're cool, Kev."

"Good. Let's go get the bar set up before people start showing." He smiled and nodded. We walked over to the clubhouse and began setting up the drinks and ice.

"So, anything new in your life?" he asked.

"Nothing important, man."

"How're you holding up with Christi leaving?"

"Okay, I guess. Some part of me is mad at her for leaving, but I know that's stupid. I dunno. You know, I once thought I would marry that girl."

"Seriously? You never told me that."

"I know. Once I realized it wasn't going to happen I moved on. I mean...we were like best friends anyway. When she and Clint started dating it really didn't faze me at all. They're great together. But now, with her leaving and everything there's a lot of emotions running high." Matt just nodded and continued setting up.

"And now, I'm pissed with Clint for letting somebody as good as her slip through his fingers without even trying. I just think that once you find somebody worth holding on to...you do."

"You still think too much about things, Kev. It's their life, their relationship...they have to do what they think is right. You're in a weird position 'cause you know both of them and are close to both, but you can't put yourself in the middle, dude."

"I know, but I can always try to make an ass of myself," I smiled.

"Met anybody special?" he asked.

"Not like that...not for the long term."

"Do you know what you're looking for?"

"I don't know. I can't ever seem to get my head screwed on straight. What about you? Do you know what you want?"

He stopped wiping the glasses and looked at his hands for a while.

"I love Michelle and we have a good thing going. I want it enough to keep it."

"She's a lucky girl."

"She's a great girl, and she deserves to know more. I think I'm gonna tell her soon and just see where the chips fall. I want it to work."

I smiled at him. "If anybody can understand, she can. She loves you too, Matt."

We were interrupted by a few people starting to filter in. Elizabeth showed up with her boyfriend, Kyle as well as a large cake with "We love you, Christi" written along the top. Pretty soon the place was pretty well filled up and all we were missing, aside from a few stragglers, were Chris and Clint. We shut the lights off and tried to be quiet...which wasn't easy.

Eventually I saw Clint's Audi pull into the parking lot and they both got out and walked toward the clubhouse. Chris had a totally confused look on her face, but she looked incredible. She was wearing a short black dress that showed off her figure fantastically and she had her light brown hair pulled back and it cascaded down her back. She was class incarnate. Clint looked pretty damn good in black pants and a dark blue stretch shirt. His look was Christi's doing, without a doubt.

They eventually reached the door and Clint stepped in quietly, leading Chris in by the hand. I suddenly felt really cheesy standing in the dark waiting to surprise her, but oh well...the deed was as good as done. Clint flipped the light and we all shouted a cheerful "Surprise!!!" Yup, way too cheesy...

The realization spread across Christi's face and she searched the crowd until she found me. She paused and gave me a very knowing look. I shrugged and smiled back. I switched on some music that we had rigged up. As if on cue, everyone headed for the snacks and the bar. Matt was soon overwhelmed. I laughed to myself and made my way over to Clint and Chris.

"So *you're responsible for this," she said, giving me that same look.

"What can I say? You decide to leave, you get to put up with a little party." She hugged me tight and whispered a 'thanks' in my ear. Clint looked much more himself than I'd seen him in a while. He smiled and nodded at me.

"We did it," he said, walking over to me. "She didn't have a clue in the world." Chris rolled her eyes playfully and went to say hello to her friends.

The party continued smoothly. We all passed around a video camera to say something to Chris. It was horribly reminiscent of a wedding. The music was playing full blast and I needed a break. I went out the side entrance and sat in a pool chair to enjoy a cigarette. It had been a while, so I gave in. I had just lit up when I heard the door slide open. Chris strolled out and moved a chair in front of mine.

"Hey sexy," I said.

"Hey babe. How're you?"

"I'm hanging in there. I just needed to take a breather."

"Me too." She leaned up and pulled my Bensons from my pocket and pulled one out. I leaned up and lit it for her.

"You all packed and ready?"

"I'm packed and most of me is ready. I'm going to miss it here. I'm going to miss you."

"You too, babe. I'm happy for you, though. It's a great opportunity."

"You always do say the right thing, don't you?" she smiled and took a drag from the cigarette.

"No, not *always." We just stared into each other's eyes and the weight of all the unsaid words was immense. I could see her emotions in her eyes, just beneath the surface and I knew she could see mine.

"I'm going to miss that too." She said, her eyes tearing up a bit. She took another quick drag and blew it straight up. "Keep an eye on him, okay?"

I raised my eyebrows. "He's a big boy, Chris. He can take care of himself." She nodded.

"All the same, I'd feel better knowing that he had you there."

"You know I'll be there." She nodded again and swallowed.

She got up and pulled me up too. She flicked the remainder of her cigarette into the bushes and I did the same. She pulled me in and hugged me tight.

"You'll call, right?" I nodded, which she could feel more than see.

"Thanks for the party -- and the painting. It's great." I chuckled...she always could see straight through me.

"Love you, girl," I finally said.

"I love you too. I'm gonna go." She let me go, put her hand on my cheek and smiled. I smiled back and made a memory.

She went back inside and I saw her say her goodbyes. Clint walked her back to the car and they drove off soon after. As soon as she was gone people began going their separate ways. I said the necessary goodbyes with promises to see them all soon.

Matt walked up behind me and began massaging my shoulders. I relaxed feeling the familiar hands work the tension out. I sighed and turned around.

"Let's get this cleaned up." He nodded and smiled. I was glad he was there.

Okay guys...that's chapter 9, and it was a doozey. Coming attractions are in production, so check back!! Also, if you haven't written (or even if you have) drop me a line and let me know what you think. Farscape20@hotmail.com