A note from Chris

High School Graduation, a boy's finest hour, the threshold of manhood. Twelve years of duty turn into an afternoon of delight all in one moment. These are the real seasons for the boy, the moments of living, the feelings of accomplishment, the trepidation at what might be ahead.

We have all faced those moments, by self motivated success or by the switch behind daddy's bedroom door, we moved on. Such is the need of these boys in Littleton and New Bridge, only here, in the pages of this fictional story, they remain immortal.

Chris James

By lunchtime on Monday the seniors were dirty and hot, Thorne had a cooler of drinks and pizza to tide them over. It was the same on Tuesday, then Wednesday when they all stood back to admire their work. Of special fascination was the six foot square of concrete walkway just outside the art building. For there each senior had written his name or placed his initials in the wet cement, their place of honor for all future students to see.

The Senior Lunch on Thursday was a long standing tradition; the other students were fed pizza in the student lounge next door. The boys looked so fine in their school blazers, well dressed gentlemen one and all. The room was full of pride and humor, each senior being allowed to stand and regale his fellows with some bit of past experience at the school. There was no school staff in attendance, and that seemed to make it all possible. This would be their final meal together; the symbolism was not lost on a single one of them.

The theatre was packed as Neil stood proudly before the students, parents and friends. He wore his blue Bradford jacket with pride, the school crest on the breast pocket, the rainbow flag in his lapel. His eyes traveled the rows, looking at the gay group gathered in the sixth row, Red and Steve, Tyrone and Brent, Dillon and Alan, all sporting the flag. He'd seen Pat and Mike earlier, they'd come to hear him speak.

But the gay boys made him feel proudest. Such good friends, such worthy companions. He looked up at where his mother and grandfather sat; there was Adam, with Renny on one side and Tim on the other. Yes, all of them made him proud. They would all do well after he left; the school was in good hands ... their hands.

"Good afternoon," Neil began, and the audience settled down. "Dr. Thorne, honored faculty, parents, friends, schoolmates and guests, all are welcomed to the Bradford Academy campus today. My name is Neil Dennison, and I have the honor of being this year's valedictorian for the senior class.

"In my years at this school I have learned the value of silence. Our days begin in silence, we study in silence and we go to our beds to rest, hopefully in silence. It is a tribute to this institution that we are tired at the end of the day, we have studied hard, and we have earned that rest. Although I hear things are different on the freshman dorm."

There was laughter from the students in the first six rows; they knew he meant what happened after lights out. An inside joke, something that brought them all closer together.

"But from freshman to senior we are each given a one time opportunity to study and become exceptional students, the ticket is non-refundable, it's a ticket to life itself. All the study and toil over the years makes this the most valuable piece of paper we may ever receive.

"My fellow seniors and I will receive that ticket in a few minutes and on it will be the word diploma, from the Latin and Greek derivative meaning passport. Bradford Academy will confer that passport on each of us as a means to use that ticket, and with it buy our seat to the future.

"In colleges and universities across the land, Bradford Academy students stand for excellence and hard work, achievement and compassion ... for that ticket didn't come easy. Not only have we learned the academic skills to forge ahead, we have been taught how to view the world through gentle eyes ... through friendly eyes.

"In the days, months and years ahead we will look back and ponder the lessons we have learned here, and most of all we will remember the way we were taught to live with one another. We may speak with pride about this place, but what we will remember most is its kindness. For with each academic lesson came another on how to treat people with respect, how to speak a language that all will understand.

"In time the lessons we learned here will allow our lives to speak, the ideal a humble George Fox committed himself and his brethren to all those many years ago. Today our lives speak here, tomorrow they will be heard across the land as we go forth and commit ourselves and our lives to speak that language.

"No matter that so many languages are spoken in the world, our lives will speak for themselves. I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to learn that language from such a distinguished faculty, I am sure my classmates feel the same.

"I have made friends here, worthy friends, lifetime companions who will someday get their own passport to the world. To those of you who remain, I give you hope that what our class may do out there is make smooth the pathway to your future. You are fortunate to follow in our footsteps, just as we now follow those who have gone before us.

"No matter what path you take, your hearts and minds will always hold a little piece of this place, this Academy of learning. For in the quiet times, the silence of your lives, may you find the same peace we have all won here. In time we will all pause in our lives to remember these days and the moments we cherish most will exist in that silence. After today nothing will ever be the same again."

Neil paused and looked down at Jessie sitting in the first row of seats with the other seniors.

"Life is a series of commitments. To learn the full meaning of life we have only to look within our hearts and see those who have made us what we are today. Our parents have encouraged us, our faculty has guided us and our friends have shown us love. We go forth with a passion for life because of those who support us; none of us has made this grand achievement alone. We wouldn't want to.

"I would hope that sitting out there today are the younger brothers or cousins of some of our students. To the parents of those children I ask that you view the lives of your offspring as precious and in need of a Bradford education. Look at your sons in attendance here and see the achievements they are making. For what you are seeing is the future being forged in the classrooms of Bradford Academy, you need look no further if your children are to succeed in life.

"My goal in life is to teach others what I have learned here, for that is what I am preparing to do. I go forth with confidence and courage that my heart is in the right place, that my lessons here have all been learned well, and that the special people in my life will stand beside me. In all things my life will speak because of what I learned here, my classmates and I have been well prepared. Thank you."

The applause was thunderous and Neil walked down the steps and took his seat, looking down the row at Jessie. The boy had not heard a word of what Neil had planned to say and now he sat smiling, for the speech had been powerful.

Dr. Thorne and Elias took the stage and pulled forward a table on which the diplomas were stacked.

"Thank you, Mr. Dennison," Thorne said, and he nodded graciously at Neil. Then they got right to it.

"The Bradford Academy is pleased to present diplomas of achievement representing a course of study in accordance with the laws of the State of New Hampshire," Thorne said, and then he relinquished the podium to Elias.

"Our certificate of high school achievement will be presented in alphabetical order, will the graduates please stand," Elias said. The graduates rose and so did the entire audience, standing up for their boys as tradition dictated. And then Elias picked up the first one and read. "Jeffery Abrams."

Jeff made his way up the steps as Elias handed the diploma to Dr. Thorne who made the presentation. He shook hands with the boy, who then shook Elias's hand. There were some cheers from the back, Jeff's family no doubt, and flash bulbs went off.

"Evan Brady" And the ritual continued. The next five names were read until Elias smiled and said. "Neil Dennison." There were resounding cheers from the audience as Neil took the stage and walked over to Dr. Thorne. They shook hands and Neil gazed at the man.

"Thank you, sir ... it's been a distinct honor to have been one of your students."

"You're most welcome, you will be remembered for a long, long time," Thorne replied, and Neil could see the tears in his eyes. Neil couldn't help himself; he gave the man a hug and felt the tears on his own cheeks. The cheers seemed to increase at the sight of Neil hugging the headmaster. And then Neil clutched his diploma and faced Elias.

"Thank you ... " Neil began, and Elias pulled him in for a hug.

"Go with my blessings, be the man I know you can be," Elias said his eyes were brimming.

"God, I love you, Elias ... you mean so much to me," Neil said.

"I know, we share something special. I'll talk to you later," Elias said.

Neil walked to the other side of the stage and down the steps, barely able to see his way.

He heard Elias call out, "Frank Edwards," and then he was standing in front of Jessie. The boy gazed in his eyes and they both lost it. Neil hugged Jessie and laughed with joy as they cried tears of happiness. Neil stood with Jessie, not bothering to return to his seat, the whole class was standing.

"Jessie Reardon," Elias finally called and the place went wild once again. The gay boys were cheering and whistling, all decorum lost in the moment. Thorne handed Jessie his diploma and they hugged, and then it was Elias's turn. They hugged and Jessie laughed, "You are just such a wonderful man," Jessie said.

Elias kissed his cheek. "See you after the show."

But as Jessie made his way towards the steps he looked up and saw Tom step out of the wings from backstage. Jessie immediately threw his arms around the man and kissed him.

"I'll miss you so much. Oh God ... you mean the world to me."

"I'm never going to forget you; I'll be watching you, Jessie. Do great things," Tom said, and as Jessie walked down the steps Tom disappeared backstage.

Now he stood beside Neil, their arms around one another as Elias read. "Robert Yates." And the final diploma was handed out.

"Thank you all for coming," Elias managed, and then the audience broke up, everyone looking for their son and the much valued diplomas. It would take hours to clear the theatre and campus. Jessie and Neil were hugged and kissed by the gay group; fortunately they would have weeks to say their final good-byes to many of them.

Alan and Red were ecstatic; they were in the new senior class. Neil laughed when Dillon gave him a hug. "You watch out for that man of yours, he can be pretty sneaky."

Dillon smiled. "Usually after the lights are out."

"Oh, is that how it is?" Alan said. "Red says Steve is staying on for a few weeks, Dillon is too, and then I have to go meet his momma."

"Oh My God, not the dreaded momma visit," Neil laughed.

"Hush," Dillon said, "She already likes him."

Mike and Pat walked up about then and there were hugs all around. "You need to come visit before you run off, bring your friends," Mike said.

"All of them?" Neil asked.

"Sure, we'll have a gay old time," Mike laughed.

Adam and Renny appeared, having fought their way down the aisle.

"Grandfather says he'll see you back at the house, he's not going to fight the crowd of your admirers he says, Mom went to take him home," Renny said. "We have to ride with you."

"No problem," Neil said.

Adam gave him a hug. "Great speech, I'll remember that ... you'll have to write mine."

"Yours?" Neil asked.

"Sure, I'm gonna be valedictorian of my class in three years."

Neil laughed, but somehow knew the boy wasn't kidding.

"I want to see Elias before we go," Jessie said.

"Yes, absolutely ... wonder where he is?" Neil asked.

"Too many people, I can't see him," Jessie said.

"We'll catch up to him." But they didn't that night.

Thorne needed to go home and rest; it had been an exhausting week for him. Elias had sensed this weariness and walked with him. Finally the great man took his chair in the living room and sighed.

"I can't do this much longer, my friend," Thorne said. "I'm feeling my age."

"Now, Robert ... the week has been emotionally taxing," Elias said.

"Yes, and that too. You should go back, many of the boys will be looking for you," Thorne said.

"I'd rather stay here with my old friend; can I get you some tea?" Elias asked.

"Mrs. Thorne is probably out in the kitchen ... no, I forgot, she's over at her sister's until supper time. I'm afraid you'll have to put the kettle on yourself."

Elias smiled. "I think with a Master's in English Literature I can figure that one out."

Thorne chuckled as Elias went out to the kitchen. He returned shortly, leaving the door open so he could hear the kettle whistle.

"A fine speech, Neil said all the right things," Thorne said.

"We may never see the likes again, Robert."

"How true, although Adam Marshall promises to be a challenge to us all."

Elias smiled. "And don't we love a good challenge? I really think that's why we're here."

"No mind untouched, no boy left wanting ... yes, that's our mission," Robert said. "Neil will teach ... that's your doing."

"I realize that, he'll do a fine job."

"If you were headmaster would you bring him on?" Robert asked.

Elias nodded. "He'd be a wonderful addition, but I don't think he'll ask. No, I think Neil has his mind fixed on something different. He will teach, and teach well ... just not here. His vision is not limited to our small piece of the world ... it's broader, grander."

"I wonder what that vision might be?" Thorne asked.

"We won't have long to wait, Robert, just a few short years." The teapot whistled and Elias went out in the kitchen to brew the tea. When he returned several minutes later he found Thorne asleep in his chair. He set the pot down and reached for the afghan lying across the back of the couch, and spread it over Thorn's lap. Then he quietly left to drive home.

He couldn't face the boys again this afternoon, it was all too emotional. They would come to dinner this weekend as planned; he would say his farewells then, just not now, not in front of all those people.

It was a privilege to teach young men like them, he had never harbored any doubts about his chosen career. He had begun the novel this past fall and all it lacked now was an ending. He didn't want it to end, there was so much more he could say. His other books had been well received, sold well, allowed him to buy the farm.

But he was concerned that what he had produced was wrong, not in word, but in deed. It was a story about Neil and Jessie, two boys in love, two hearts joined in life. It ought to be his greatest love story; it had that feel about it. But he worried, would they be upset when he told them? For even as he had begun to put words on the page he knew there would come a time when he had to reveal what he was writing, to them, he owed it to them.

Neil had seemed excited when Elias made the dinner invitation; both he and Jessie wanted to meet Miguel, the first Bradford students to do so. But now they weren't, were they? They had graduated; they could remain in his life as friends. He needed that ending, he wanted that inspiration. It wouldn't matter if it took ten years to find a resolution to the story.

Neil was a bit disappointed that Elias had vanished so quickly after graduation, but they had dinner on Sunday to work that all out. The attentions of his friends soon banished all concerns, it was time to party. He had invited Mike and Pat but they begged off, knowing full well they might feel like outsiders at a Bradford blow out. Instead Pat suggest Neil bring the survivors over for breakfast, well, maybe lunch on Saturday.

The gathering at Neil's on Friday night was a joyous bunch. Adam had tried to persuade Tim to attend but he decided to stay at school and pack, his mother would arrive on Saturday morning to fetch him.

"I won't feel right, the odd man," Tim said. It would be their final night together until fall.

"You packing?" Tim asked.

"Yes, I'm going to stay at Neil's for the week before going home," Adam said.

"No sad faces, I'll be fine," Tim said. "Mom has a new job coming up, we're moving to Boston next month."

"Ahh, the big time, no more small towns for you," Adam said.

"Well after my dad ... after the BS with him, she started making moves of her own, got a job with some investment firm in Boston."

"Sweet, which one?" Adam asked.

"Elkins and ... something, nice people she says."

Adam smiled, small world he thought, but decided Tim didn't need to know the connection. He'd had a good semester, putting the entire trauma behind him. Money well spent, Adam decided.

"So maybe you'll find a nice guy down there, if you're looking that way," Adam said.

"I am, going to join the GSA next fall; I want one of those little flags. Who knows, maybe there will be some sweet little freshman just for me?" Tim laughed.

"Sophomore and freshman, that works," Adam said. He walked over to his blazer jacket and unpinned his rainbow flag. "Here, I want you to have this."

Tim smiled. "You sure, I might change my mind?"

"No sweetie, I'm sure ... about both you and the pin." And with that he gave Tim a hug, and they kissed. Their lips stayed together for a long time and Tim clutched Adam's waist, pressing their bodies together. Pressed hard enough for Adam to feel the boy's erection. They let go with a gasp and Adam smiled.

"Maybe we ought to ... you know, for old times sake," Adam said.

"Renny won't mind?"

"It's not like we're fucking, let's just call it a tribute to our freshman year, you heard what Neil said, wouldn't want him to be wrong."

"There won't be any lights out tonight," Tim said.

Adam smiled. "But there is a light switch."

They stripped down to their boxers and lay on Tim's bunk. "Neil is coming for you at what, eight or so?" Tim asked.

"Yeah, eight-thirty in the morning he said."

"Good, we might get to do this twice," Tim replied.

"Horny bastard."

Side by side, they touched, stroked and fondled one another to a glorious orgasm. Renny wouldn't mind, this was just friends ay play. And in the morning they did it again before showering. After they dressed Adam held Tim in his arms.

"You have a good summer, hear? I want my roomie back in good working order," He said.

"You think we'll ever do this again?" Tim asked.

"Sophomores jerk off too, you know ... but maybe you'll find that freshman."

"Just might at that, I'll hang out a sign," Tim laughed. "You have a great summer too, with lots of Renny."

"No doubt, working on it," Adam said.

The party at Neil's didn't get out of hand, well maybe a little. Alan brought four bottles of champagne and Nora looked the other way, for just this one night. She sat in the living room with her father and talked about their plans.

"I may wait until Neil graduates college and they get their own place, but I think we'll definitely move back to the city," Nora said.

"Selling the house?"

"If I can find a buyer for this monstrosity."

"Poor market, but someone might take it as an investment home," Robert said.

"I don't care, I want out of the memories this place has," Nora said. "Well, not all of them are bad."

"You've done wonders with the boys, both of them."

"Renny won't want to be far from Adam, and he needs other friends as well, ones he can't find here, Dad."

"Then move sooner rather than later, Neil can get them a place of their own, college boys don't need much."

"I suppose, NYU is right in the Village, Julliard is uptown." Nora smiled. "At least they won't be far away."

"You just can't let them go, can you?" Robert asked.

"No, Dad, boys need their mother ... especially gay boys ... men."

Robert smiled. "And they'll be fine men."

By midnight Adam and Renny came marching back in the house, the champagne having done its duty on them both, it was time for bed.

"You boys having fun out there?" Nora asked.

"Yeah," Renny said," At least those that haven't passed out."

"Lord, maybe I shouldn't ... " Nora started to say.

"Everyone's fine, Mrs. Dennison. It's been a long week, everyone is just tired not drunk," Adam said. "We're going to bed."

Adam gave her a hug and looked at Robert who smiled. "OK, give it your best shot," He said, and Adam hugged him as well. Renny hugged his grandfather and then his Mom, then they were off to bed.

"That was a bold lie," Renny snickered as they climbed the stairs.

"Who knew Dillon would puke after three glasses, I don't want her worried."

"Yeah, he's Alan's problem now," Renny replied.

But the wine had its benefit, the boys slept like logs on bed, couch and floor. Neil managed to wake them before noon and they struggled to shower in pairs, some of them still a bit unsteady on their feet.

"No sex in the shower," Neil commanded, "Or we'll never get out of here."

"Whatever do you mean?" Dillon laughed, batting his eyelashes back at Neil.

"OK, you can have sex, but the rest of us get to watch," Neil said.

"Not gonna happen," Alan said with a grin. "You might learn something."

"Ooo, talk is cheap," Red laughed. "I think Dillon is hung better than you are."

"Is not," Alan said.

"My man has all I need," Dillon laughed, and the rest joined in. OK, no sex meant they were done and out of the house by one and on their way to Pat's. He had two picnic tables spread out in the orchard beside the house, and lunch was already underway, Mike was grilling.

Pat gave them a walking tour of the garden, explaining the varieties of apple, pear and plum trees.

"Goodness, you could teach this stuff," Dillon said.

"Don't know much," Pat admitted, "Learned it all from Mike."

They decimated the pile of hamburgers and drinks, everyone helping to clean up the mess. "I remember the first time we did this," Neil said. Jessie smiled, thinking back to those days.

"Well you boys are welcome anytime, always like the company," Pat said.

"Listen to him, guys," Jessie said.

"Yeah, Mike was my first gay friend in town ... I didn't know anyone else then, you two were lifesavers," Neil said.

Jessie smiled over at Mike, knowing full well how that story began. "We all got lucky," he said, and received a smile in return.

"So, you all have summer plans?" Pat asked.

"Steve is with me all summer, his mom finally agreed," Red said. "I got a new digital video camera; we're going to make a documentary for a competition on PBS."

"What's it going to be about," Pat asked.

"I have no idea, we'll figure out something."

"Dillon is dragging me to Washington," Alan said. "Never seen the city before, he says there's lots to see."

"And you get to meet his momma," Neil laughed.

"Yeah, that too," Alan agreed.

"Neil, when do you move to New York?" Pat asked.

"A month, maybe less ... we need to find a place between schools."

"I think we'll live somewhere in the Village, big gay Mecca I hear," Jessie said.

"It is, there are some nice condos there now," Pat said. "And Adam, what about you?"

"I go where Renny goes, or at least not far away. He's going to stay with me for a few weeks, I think his mom has something planned too," Adam said.

"I think she's moving back to the city," Neil said. "She'll sell the house, I don't know when."

"Oh, we'll be sorry to see her leave," Mike said.

"Yeah, life changes, we all know that," Neil said. "Mine certainly has."

"We can't leave all you guys here alone for long, we'll be back for a visit," Jessie said.

"You do that," Red said.

The quiet solitude of the trees was the first thing Jessie noticed as Neil drove them up to Elias' house the following afternoon.

"Beautiful," Neil said, "I wonder who harvests his apples, he certainly doesn't have the time."

The house was an eclectic meld of several additions added on over the years; the original stone building was fronted by a long screened porch. Two chimneys's added to the rustic look and they saw a new Explorer sitting in the drive beside Elias' old Volvo.

The man himself came out to greet them as they pulled up, he had been waiting.

"Welcome, welcome," Elias said. "You're just in time."

"Time for what?" Neil asked.

"Miguel is opening his oven; we get to see his new creations."

"He's a potter?" Jessie asked.

"A true artist, been doing it for years," Elias said.

"We missed you, Elias ... after the ceremony," Neil said.

"I'm sorry, Robert was tired, I walked him home and we talked a while. In truth, it was hard for me to face the emotions in front of all those people."

Jessie gave him a hug and stood back. "You're forgiven, we struggled as well."

They heard a clang from out back of the house. "Come on, he's removing the lid," Elias said.

The kiln Miguel used was a pile of stones, or so it seemed at first appearances. Miguel himself was a broad shouldered, muscular man close to Elias' age, reddish skin, Native features. Jessie looked in amazement at the hoist over the oven that Miguel was using to lift the lid.

"I never saw a kiln like this before," He said.

"Hello," Miguel called, "Be right there."

He ratcheted the hoist and swung the heavy metal lid off to one side, Jessie could swear it was must weigh a ton. Miguel jumped down off the hoist and walked over, wiping his hands on a rag.

"Miguel De Santos, this is Jessie and Neil," Elias said.

"So happy to finally meet you, Elias has mentioned you a lot these past few years."

Neil looked at the features, such a handsome man, Elias was lucky. Miguel caught the look and smiled. "Don't be afraid to ask, I'm probably the only South American Native around."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean ... well, I am curious," Neil said.

"I'm from Peru; my ancestors were the Inca people who owned most of that area until you guys showed up. So my face is that of a Peruvian Native, my heart belongs to Elias and this place."

Elias smiled. "He is a sweet man for someone who often looks so fierce."

"Yeah, keeps the tax man at bay," Miguel laughed. "You interested in pottery?"

"Don't know anything about it," Jessie said.

"You're the musician; you create art just as I do. This time I fired what has become known as 'aryballos,' but that's Greek word. It's amazing, you travel the world and you see the same shapes in pottery time and time again, it's all related to function."

Migul walked back over to the kiln and looked inside. he picked up a hooked iron rod and reached down inside, what he pulled out was amazing. "The pot is still quite hot, it will take hours to cool off," He said, seting it down on the rim of the kiln. "But see the shape, a thousand years old or more, both in Greece and in Peru. Water for us, wine for them I'm sure."

"The colors, how do you achieve that?" Jessie asked.

"A ceramic glaze, minerals and such, all fired to thousands of degrees where they blend and then adhere to the clay structure beneath. This kiln is a copy of what I saw ancient potter's used in my native land, nothing like a little authenticity, besides it works so well," Miguel said.

They peered into the opening and looked at the line of pots surrounding the central core, there had to be a dozen of them. "The museum shop in Boston gets all these, I do a lively business."

Elias smiled. "He's being modest, his work is very much in demand all over the country."

Miguel laughed. "You brag about me too much and I'll have to raise my prices. Now be a good host and take them inside for some refreshments, I'll be along."

Neil and Jessie followed Elias inside through a back door. The room there was lined with shelves and more pots of everty shape and size.

"Wow, he sure makes a lot of them," Jessie said. "Can I ask, how much does he get for them?"

"Yes, ask me not him, Miguel is a bit shy on that subject. The one he showed you will sell for around two."

"Two hundred?" Neil asked.

"Thousand, he's very good at what he does," Elias said.

The house was warm and snug, as they walked through a huge kitchen that smelled of something in the oven. "Pollo, a chicken dish Miguel makes," Elias explained. "Yummy."

They followed him into a living room that would have made the cover of Better Homes and Gardens, it looked like a western movie set.

"Incredible," Neil said, looking at all the native art hung on the walls.

"OK, I'm a nerd," Elias laughed. "This is all Miguel's doing. I just sit in my little cubby and write while he runs my life."

"He's doing a very good job, you look happy," Jessie said.

Elias smiled. "Thank you, I'd be lost without him. You of all people would understand, he is my life."

Neil grinned. "I feel a bit like you do in that regard."

"No he doesn't, he's the boss of me," Jessie laughed.

"You both look very happy," Elias said. "Can I get you something to drink? Soda, tea ... something stronger?"

"No alcohol, we made that mistake Friday night ... too much champagne," Jessie said.

"Oh yeah, that stuff sneaks up on you, how about a nice glass of Thai tea?"

"Sounds intriguing, that will be fine for us both," Neil said.

Jessie snickered. "See what I mean? That sounds good."

They followed Elias out to the kitchen and watched him pour some red tea from a ceramic pitcher, one of Miguel's of course. He added sugar and stirred in a bit of canned milk before handing them over. It was delicious.

"So what are you writing?" Neil asked.

"A novel ... something I want to discuss with you, something I have to discuss with you," Elias said.

"Oh, what's it about?" Jessie asked.

Elias sat them down at the kitchen table. "It's about ... two boys who meet at school and fall in love."

Neil nodded. "You mean us."

"Yes ... I was afraid you might be offended if you didn't know. I've changed a lot of the details, but not the truth of how it happened," Elias said.

"Will anyone know it's us?" Jessie asked.

"Some might, if they read gay romance."

Jessie looked over at Neil, and their eyes spoke to one another. "It's fine by us I think. Nothing to be ashamed of," Neil said.

"No ... I wrote it to inspire others; I'm trying to work out the ending."

"There is no ending except to say 'they lived happily ever after,'" Neil said.

Elias nodded. "It's the way I say it that matters. You have your whole life ahead, it's about you, how would you have me end it?"

"We all grow old and die, I hope you're not taking the story that far," Jessie said.

"No ... No, this is all about life, you have wonderful lives, you will have wonderful moments that you can't even imagine now," Elias said. "I want to express your future in terms of that magic, the moment you met never ends in your imagination, it binds you together."

Neil smiled. "No wonder I love you, such a romantic soul. I remember that moment quite well; I looked in Jessie's eyes and saw ... I saw the world awaiting our future together. I'm sure that memory has been colored by everything that has happened since, but I still see my soul in his eyes."

Elias nodded. "Such deep love can only be based upon need, and you found that in one another. That's how the story flows, that's how it ought to end."

"I think we're both too caught up in the story to advise you on the ending," Jessie said. "Does it have to have a message; is that what you're waiting for?"

"No, the story stands alone, it shows the lives of two boys in love, and points them at the future."

"Then let it end in silence," Neil said. "Let the character's lives speak for themselves, the readers will understand."

"Just end in silence?"

"Yes, for that's where all thought begins, all really good thoughts anyway. The day begins that way, and so the night ends. Without our thoughts, lives would only exist in silence. It inspires us to fill the void, it makes us human."

"Silence?"

Neil nodded, and so it was.

The story ends here, for those of you who wish to know. Epilogue to follow. Something to tell you of the future in these lives, something to tie the knot and finish what I have begun. Thanks for reading.

Chris James



On to The Epilogue

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"Seasons for the Boy" Copyright © 13 April 2009 Chris James. All rights reserved.
    This work may not be duplicated in any form (physical, electronic, audio, or otherwise) without the author's written permission. All applicable copyright laws apply. All individuals depicted are fictional with any resemblance to real persons being purely coincidental.

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