VANCE STREET by Mike Austin
nasstop@yahoo.com
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XIII.
Later Monday night after Jim left, Ivan read Cy's email. His ex began with another apology and tried to explain why he had to leave. Cy was a twin and his brother Ron was hostile to all gays. When Cy came out to his family, Ron threatened to kill him for being a fag and their folks had to intervene. Ron suspected you were the fag that did this to his brother and Ron was on a hunt to find you and make you pay. I couldn't let that happen he wrote, you were the best thing to happen to me in my life and I knew it. Realizing I was putting everyone in jeopardy and caused this much anguish, my counselor suggested I get a fresh start away from family, friends and support group and find my new way, otherwise I was a suicide candidate. I was running scarred and just got the first bus then train out of town and that horrible farming community. While we had talked before abut going to New Town together, I feared Ron would find us and do us in, so I left for Cali and hoped it would be far enough from all of them and be able to begin fresh. Dad had already disowned me and told me to get out of his house. Mom was caught in the middle and got me some money from her savings and that plus what I'd saved for college was the basis for starting new. I was confused, alone and didn't want to drag you further into this horror story so I ran and didn't stop until I got here. I won't tell you where I am just yet because I know you're hurting because of me and I don't want you to risk revealing my locale unless it's and I'm important enough. Otherwise, I'll not bother you any further. I hope to hear from you but if not, I understand and hope you know you'll always be My "I" guy.........love, C
Ivan was in tears by the end of the email. Cy had not shared any of this with him their last month together, aside from saying his dad and bro were always ragging on him. After he left, I felt betrayed and screwed, but never wondered about his feelings or reasons for leaving and then that had to go find himself crap surfaced and that really pissed me off. Ivan was pacing now, punching the air. He knew he was no match for Ron and doubt his mom and dad would tolerate any rational discussion from the guy they thought made their son gay. He quickly sent off an email that was short, supportive and encouraged his actions, decisions and hopeful future and emphatically wanted to remain friends and in touch. He reminded Cy that he had the same cell and for him NOT TO BE A STRANGER!!!
Ivan's head hurt. He gulped down a couple of Tylenols, grabbed another shower then hit the sack. He glanced at his cell phone and it was midnight. The alarm would wake him far too early. He tossed and turned repeatedly.......Steve was far in the distance in a dream now, Cy was even farther away.