Beautiful Lie

The following is a work of fiction. Any similarities are completely fortuitous. The story may contain profanity and references to gay sex. If such content offends you please leave now. The author maintains all rights to the story. Do not copy or use without written consent from the author. Write Bobby at brokendreamboi@yahoo.com with you comments.

Beautiful Lie 03

"Morning everyone," I said, walking into the kitchen with a beaming smile. Winter break officially starts in one day and I intend to kick it off right.

"Hello Zac, you're in a good mood this morning." grandma said.

"Yup," I replied, pouring a glass of orange juice. "Mom, can we go to Olive Garden for lunch?"

"Uh, sure. Do you want to go right now? It's noon you know?" she said.

"Really?" I turned to the grandfather clock she has in the dining room and it did indeed say noon. "Wow, then yeah."

"Good, your father keeps whining about how hungry he is."

"Well, get the baby and let's go. Now." I said quickly. I think mom knew why I wanted to go there so she told Tim and Nancy to leave now and get us a table while she tries to find dad. Of course, we immediately heard him yell from the garage. That's my dad, always hurting himself fixing or building something.

We left after mom helped dad bandage up his thumb. He was trying to increase the wattage on one of his Christmas decorations. If my mom decided to get into the medical field instead of the mental field, there is a slight difference, she would not have to go through any kind of courses. She has been bandaging dad since before I was born, is what she'd tell me.

I ran outside and started mom's Murano up. After another ten minutes mom, dad, and the grandparents walked outside to the vehicle. The drive there seemed to take forever, but I think that's only because I was so excited to see Tommy. When we got there I pretty much jumped out and rushed inside. I searched for Tommy, but I couldn't find him anywhere. I hope he works today.

"Zac, please wait for us." mom said, walking in the restaurant. "Now, let's find your aunt and uncle." We walked around with me still gazing for Tommy. Eventually we found Tim and Nancy, but no Tommy. Our waitress this time wasn't very peppy I guess you could say. Tommy was much better than her.

I again started to look for Tommy and to my happiness I finally saw him at a table across the room. He was faced away from us so I know he didn't see me. And from what I saw he seems so depressed and...pale.

"Um, mom, I'll be right back." I said to her. She nodded to me then kept talking with everyone else.

I got up and walked to his table. It must have been his lunch hour. A plate of food was sitting in front of him, but it hadn't even looked touched.

"Is this seat taken?" I asked softly. He sharply looked up at me and shook his head no. "Look, Tommy, we need to talk about something."

"I'm sorry for last night. I really didn't mean to upset you. It just seemed like the perfect moment." he said weakly. His eyes were red and he looked exhausted.

"No, it wasn't you that upset me," I was about to continue, but the sound of a waiter dropping silverware in a tub scared me. "Can you come over tonight so we can talk about this?"

"Sure," he sighed.

"Call me when your shift is over, okay?"

"I'll call you later then, Zac."

"Just know that it wasn't your fault,"

"Right," he said kind of sarcastically.

"I'm serious. Your kiss just...woke me up, I guess you could say. Now, eat your lunch and then we'll talk later today." I said happily.

For the first time since yesterday I saw him smile. "Okay, I'll definitely call you later." His eyes looked a little watery, but I decided not to say anything thinking that that might embarrass him.

I stood up and walked back to my table. Our food arrived and everyone started to eat. I ate in silence whereas the adults were again talking about...something. I don't even know what they talk about anymore. Again, I was the first to finish, but amazingly everyone else was right behind me. Thank God we didn't have to stay any longer. My stomach felt like it was about to burst. It was almost like déjà vu. The only thing missing was...

"How was everything today?" Tommy asked.

...our waiter.

"Everything was just divine as always." mom replied cheerfully. Tommy looked much better since we talked. I guess that's all he needed. I'm glad I could cheer him up even though I'm the one of drug him down in the first place. He dropped the check off and smiled at me. Mom noticed and interrupted our small moment. "Excuse me, um, Tommy, can you get your manager please?"

"Right away ma'am," he said. Fear was apparent on his face as he walked away.

"Mom, what do you think you're doing? He hasn't done anything wrong." I argued. She just looked at me with an expressionless face and ignored me.

"Hi, I am Roland Tembo. Is there something I can help you with?" the manager said.

"Yes there is," mom started, a serious look on her face. "This waiter was the best waiter I have ever had at any restaurant. He was polite and courteous and helpful and fast. I must insist he be rewarded."

Tommy was blushing. "Thank you,"

"Certainly, we do get a lot of compliments about him and I think it is time for another bump in his salary." The manager smiled and then walked away. Everyone at the table stood up and started to walk out. Mom and I stayed for a few seconds before getting up. She laid out a tip, and what a tip it was; $40.

"Ma'am I can't accept this," Tommy said, trying to hand back the money.

"You can now," she smiled victoriously then walked away.

"Thank you," he mouthed silently to me. I nodded then walked away as well.

It's eight o'clock and Tommy still hasn't called me. Maybe he doesn't get off until nine or something. I'm just anxious for him to come over so we can talk. I intend to fill him in on what happened. Just then, my cell phone rang. Perfect.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Hey," Besides looking at the caller ID I could tell it was him by his cute voice.

"Do you still want to come over?" I asked nervously.

"Of course, but where do you live?" he asked excitedly.

"Do you know where Palm Court is?"

"Yeah,"

"We live in there. It's actually not that far from your work. Just turn right onto Magnolia and go straight down. We have an orange car in the driveway and three others." I explained it as best I could. Directions haven't ever really been something I'm good at.

"All righty, I'll see you in a little bit then." he said. "Bye."

"Bye." I closed my cell and went downstairs to tell my mom. She was sitting at the dining room table drinking some wine and fixing a chipped mug. She was wearing her usual baby blue silk nightgown on. I love it, but I'd never wear it. I may be gay, but I am NOT that gay. "Mom, is it okay if Tommy comes over?"

"Yeah, just tell your father." she said, not looking up from her cup. I walked in the living room and sat next to dad. He as intently watching a golf game he recorded.

"Dad, my friend Tommy is coming over is that cool?" I asked.

"It's cool," he said. "Just make sure you're home before dark."

I shook my head and walked back to mom. "He said I had to be home before dark."

"You know how your father is when it comes to watching his sports." mom chuckled.

"So, where's grandma and grandpa?"

"They went out shopping. Christmas is just in a week you know?" she said.

"I know,"

"So, have you gotten me anything?"

"Of course I have," I turned my head slightly and lost eye contact with her. That's when I felt it; that feeling that every man fears from his girlfriend, wife, mother, any woman you come in contact with; The Look. "The Look" is a woman's most dangerous weapon. If you don't know what it is then consider yourself very lucky.

"Really?"

"Okay, so I haven't. Can you please stop giving me the look?"

"Good,"

The doorbell rang and it couldn't have rang any sooner. I was literally saved by the bell. I knew who it was and I was so excited, but nervous as well. I opened the door to Tommy who was lightly shivering with a small smile.

"Come in, it's freezing out there."

"Thank you," he said, walking inside and crossing his arms. I led him into the dining room and started the introductions.

"Mom, this is Tommy..." I stopped as I realized I didn't know his last name.

"Hammond, Tommy Hammond." he said, extending his hand.

"I'm Kendra, and that's my husband, Shawn." Then I led him a few feet away to the couch where my dad was still intently watching his golf game.

"Dad, this is Tommy Hammond," I said.

Dad didn't even turn his head. "Hi,"

"Sorry, when he watches a game he is oblivious to everything else."

Tommy laughed and gave me a cute smile. "It was nice to meet you both,"

"Shawn let's go upstairs and watch the game up there." mom ordered. Dad finally snapped out of his daze and quickly went upstairs with mom following.

"Do you want something to drink?" I asked him.

"No thanks,"

"Okay," I sat on the couch and patted the spot next to me. He sat down and I noticed he was still shivering. It was actually kind of cold in the house. I grabbed a small blanket and wrapped it around him.

"Thanks," he smiled.

"Tommy, I like you a lot, but something happened to me a couple weeks ago and it's been hard to get over." Tears started to fill my eyes. I'm trying my hardest not to cry, but talking about Hunter isn't very safe.

"Zac if you don't want to talk about this I-"

"No, you need to know." I interjected. "Two weeks ago I was on a date with my boyfriend, Hunter. It was our one year anniversary and I took him to the fair downtown. After we were done I started driving us home, but we never made it that far. I was going through a light and a drunk hit us on the passenger side. I tried to swerve, but it was too late. Hunter was killed on impact." The tears began flowing from my eyes. "Ever since he died I have been in this weird place that is so hard to get out of. My mom said that I haven't grieved properly, but it's still hard for me to admit it to myself that he is...gone."

"Zac, I am so sorry." Tommy said weakly, almost like he was holding back tears. I could see his eyes were filled with water that he was definitely trying to hold back.

"When we were on our date I barely felt okay. It was nice, don't get me wrong, but the little things you'd do would remind me of him; like opening the door for me and paying for my food. Don't feel bad though, I mean I loved the date, it was really nice to get out. And then when you kissed me I guess it just woke me up. I'm sorry I ran out on you like I did." The tears started to slowly come to an end.

Tommy wiped away whatever tears were left on my face. "It is no problem, but I am so sorry about everything Zac. I can only imagine how hard it must be." He wrapped his arms around me and gave me one of his cute smiles.

"Thanks, but don't be sorry for the kiss. I liked it a lot." I said, enjoying the warmth of his embrace.

"Would it be okay if I kissed you again?" he asked timidly.

"Yeah," I said quietly. Tommy slowly leaned in and our lips met. His felt like velvet against mine; so soft and comfortable. Suddenly, I felt his tongue push gently at my mouth. My mind was on overdrive and the only thing I could think of was to open my mouth to his waiting tongue. What felt uneasy and tense quickly disappeared and I even quicker felt warmth and...love. We explored each others' mouths until I slowly pulled back.

"Wow," Tommy said in amazement.

"That was nice," I said softly.

"You were okay with that right? That wasn't bad?" Tommy asked worriedly. He got this concerned look on his face and it showed me that he really cared. He wasn't just trying to be polite.

"Yeah, that was...more than okay. That was amazing." I said, at a loss of breath.

"As long as it was all right with you," he said. I wrapped my arms around his waist and laid my head on his shoulder. We sat in this position until I heard some noise from the kitchen. I stood up quickly and found my mom looking at us with an amused look on her face.

"Mom, I thought you were going to bed?" I asked, slightly catching my breath from panicking.

"No, I just said we were going upstairs. But now I am so goodnight." she said.

"Night," Tommy and I said in unison. Mom walked back upstairs and left Tommy and I to do whatever now.

"Actually Zac, I should probably get going. It's getting late and I told my mom I wouldn't be too late."

"Oh, okay," I said sadly. I'm finally starting to really warm up to him and now he has to go. I suddenly felt something inside of me that I had no control over.

"Hey, are you okay?" he asked me worriedly.

My breathing deepened and the room started to spin. "Go...go get my...parents," I managed to get out. I was having a panic attack.

Tommy ran near the stairs and shouted, "Kendra, Shawn, something's wrong with Zac!" I felt an arm rest on my leg and heard footsteps barreling down the stairs. Mom was standing in front of me trying to comfort me, but it was to no avail. Dad then came with a paper bag and placed it over my mouth. I breathed into it and slowly returned to normal. As the room expanded into its regular size and my heart went to its regular beat, Tommy looked as though he was about to cry. Actually, he was lightly crying.

"Are you all right, sweetie?" mom asked softly.

I nodded. "Yeah,"

She looked at Tommy. "I think it's time you left."

He didn't reply, instead just nodded. "I'll walk you out," I said.

He grabbed his car keys off the coffee table and said goodnight to my parents. We walked out on my front porch and just stood there in silence. Finally, he broke it.

"What happened?" he asked.

"I had a panic attack," I replied.

"I know that silly," he smiled. "But what caused it? Was it me?"

I didn't respond for a second. I was trying to think of how I could put it without making him feel guilty. "Well, um, kind of. I mean, you didn't do it on purpose."

He looked at me weirdly. "Huh?"

"When you said you were leaving I guess that just set me off."

"Zac I am so sorry,"

"No, don't be. I'm just easy to set off now because of...the accident."

"Don't be ashamed, I get it." he said gently. There was another silence before Tommy spoke, or moved rather. His lips felt as good as earlier; so soft and perfectly moist.

"Do you want to hang out tomorrow?" I asked, pulling away from his mouth.

"Are you sure?" he asked.

"Yeah, do you have to work?"

"Actually no, I have tomorrow through Wednesday off."

"All righty then," I said. "I'll..."

"I'll call you tomorrow,"

I smiled inside and out. "I can't wait." With one last gentle kiss he smiled at me and walked off to his car.

The next day was starting off all right. I woke up, took a shower, and ate breakfast. Now, I am currently sitting on my bed staring at Tommy's number in my cell phone. I'm having a hard time deciding if I should call him now or later. He said he'd call me though, but I really want to hear his voice. By the way, it's only nine. Sleeping in to me is seven. I know he couldn't possibly be up this early, not on his day off and winter break. But I decided to call. I pushed send and waited for a possible answer.

"Hello?" Tommy answered very groggily.

"Sorry," I said softly.

"Oh, no, no, no. I needed to get up anyways." he said, sounding more awake. I knew he was lying though.

"You don't have to lie," I said.

"Then I'm sorry,"

"I guess I'll call you back later so you can get some-"

He interrupted, "No, it's really okay. I'm glad it's you that called me."

"At the risk of annoying you more, when do you wanna hang out?" I asked timidly.

"You're not annoying me. In fact, if you wouldn't have called I probably would have slept in late." he laughed lightly.

"What is late?"

"Noon or one,"

"Oh,"

"But hey, don't feel bad. If I woke up that late I'd have less time to see you."

I blushed at his comment. "So..."

"How about I pick you up in half an hour? That'll give me plenty of time to get ready." he said.

"All right, I can't wait." I said with obvious excitement.

"Me neither, bye!"

"Bye,"

After we hung up I went and told me parents I was gonna hang out with Tommy. I had trouble telling them this considering Aunt Nancy and Uncle Tim and my grandparents were down there as well. I ate some more while I was in the kitchen, but remembered that Tommy and I were supposed to eat at the mall. Luckily, I only managed to stuff a few crackers in my mouth. The time seemed to drag along as the day wore on. Thirty minutes was almost up, but he still hadn't arrived. As I went up to my room I started to give up hope.

"No," I said out loud. "He will be here any-" The doorbell rang throughout the house. I nearly flew down the stairs and just as mom was opening the door, I took control.

"Hey Tommy," I said excitedly.

He smiled at me and giggled. "Hey there speedster,"

"Hello Tommy, please come in." mom said. I took the time to introduce him to everyone, being careful not to make it sound too mushy.

"Well, ready to go?" he asked.

"Yeah, I just gotta grab my jacket." We walked out and into his car. My mom said to have fun, but eleven was my curfew. Honestly though, I don't think we will be out for more than a few hours.

When we got to the mall we immediately got some food. I wanted Chinese, but he felt like hamburgers. So, we both got in separate lines and got our food. However, he got his hamburger before I even finished my combo and that meant that he was paying. I tried arguing with him that I was gonna pay this time, but he can be persistent; not stubborn, but persistent. Once we got our table and began eating, the mindless talking began.

"So, what else do you wanna do today? Or if you just wanna hang out here and make pigs of ourselves that's okay too. In fact, I think we should go take some of those booth pictures." Tommy said, chomping down on a mouthful of fires.

"That sounds great, but I don't want you spending anymore money on me." I argued.

"But I took you on this date so that means I have to pay." Tommy smiled.

"True, but maybe I could pay sometimes."

"No,"

"No? I think I can choose when I want to spend money or not." I said a little too defensively.

"Okay, okay, how about we trade off every once in a while?" he laughed lightly.

"Fine," I said, smiling to relieve the slight tension in the air.

After eating we looked around for one of the photo booths and we finally found one, but it was near one of Hunter's favorite stores. This was something I tried to get over really quick, but it wasn't working.

"Are you okay?" Tommy asked, looking worried. He's probably thinking that I'm gonna have another panic attack. Well, he thought right.

"That's Hunter's favorite store," I said, pointing to the store just next to the booth.

"Oh," Tommy said, "oh, well, let's just go and..." He stopped knowing that he had no ideas at the moment.

"No, no, let's do it. I wanna take some pictures with you." I said, shaking my head lightly and smiling at him.

"All right, but if you want to leave just say so." he said sincerely.

We sat in the booth and chose our frame; we agreed on a forest theme. The first picture, we posed with our tongues sticking out and bunny ears over each others' heads. The second picture our eyes were bugging out and our mouths wide open. In our third picture I kissed his cheek while he again had his mouth wide open and eyes bugging out. It was the same thing in our fourth picture, but it was just opposite this time. And in our fifth and final picture, we...kissed. His lips were pressed against mine and our eyes were shut. After I heard the click of the picture, he didn't pull away for another few seconds.

"Sorry," he said, "I just like feeling your lips." His cheeks suddenly turned bright red accompanied with one of his cute little smiles.

"You're not alone in that, you know." I smiled at him before stepping out of the booth. We had to wait for the two sets of pictures to print. When they finally did I was surprised at how nice they were. "Would you mind taking me home now? I'm kind of tired from last night."

"Sure, no problem. I had fun today, Zac." he said.

"I did too," I replied. "I had a lot of fun."

On the drive home I was practically silent. I can't really say why because honestly I don't know. But when we pulled up to my house I sort of regretted not being talkative.

"Thanks for today, Tommy. It's nice to finally get out of the house." I said. We stood under my porch roof and looked at each other carefully.

"No problem, I like going out with you." he smiled widely.

"Well, I should probably get in. I'm tired and it is freezing out here." I said, lightly shivering. Tommy was shivering as well so I knew I wasn't being rude.

"Yeah, I'll call you later, okay?"

"Can't wait," He leaned in and planted his lips against mine for a brief moment. A small smacking sound let out after we pulled apart.

"I can't either,"

I walked inside and hung my jacket on the coat rack. Mom wanted to know details so I told her and showed her our pictures. She said they were cute and that she was happy for me.

My room was basically calling me so I wandered on upstairs. Falling on my bed, I reached under my pillow and pulled out a picture of Hunter and I with our cheeks pressed against each other with our lips curled in huge smiles. Then I held the picture strip of Tommy and I. it suddenly felt like it was okay to move on. Sure, I had that semi-true dream, but I still feel it. But now, I feel okay. And this feels great.

Cameras are tools designed to capture images. But in truth, they can capture so much more. They can uncover hidden longing of men who should no longer care. They can reveal the extraordinary secrets of the most ordinary marriages. Most amazing of all, cameras can quietly and clearly reveal to us our dreams. Dreams we didn't even know we had.

I hope you enjoyed chapter three. I have created a myspace and you can visit it here (be aware that it is a work in progress) http://www.myspace.com/shades_of_wisteria. Feel free message me with your comments, questions, or criticism at the e-mail given at the top of every chapter, or join my group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shades_of_Wisteria/ and leave me a message there, or you can do both. Thanks!