Cause:
We had finally reached LA for our vacation. Jamila was driving the air conditioned, black MPV while all of us looked out the windows.
"There's a lot of people here," Jerry commented.
"Well duh?" Ellen exaggerated, "We are in LA."
"Whatever," Jerry rolled his eyes back.
Jamila was driving the "family" around the place. Jerry was sitting shotgun, Ellen was behind him while Myra was next to her. Hung and I were at the third row of seats looking through the back window. Everyone gabbed on what we were supposed to in LA. We had decided ahead of time that we will devote one day for Disney Land, one day for Six Flags, and the last day whatever we wanted to do.
"Where do you guys want to see first?" Jamila said still driving.
"Let's go to Rodeo Drive!" Ellen exclaimed.
"I want to go shopping there," Myra added.
"Are you sure you have enough money?" I asked, everyone laughed.
"Afterwards, I want to see the Mann's Chinese Theatre," Jerry said excitedly.
"Figures," Hung commented.
Jamila slowly and carefully drove towards Rodeo Drive. She has driven in LA before, but every time she visited the city, it seems that traffic got worse and worse. All of us pointed at the various buildings and tried to look through the store window to admire the designer dresses, suits and other types of clothing. We would have walked the length of the drive, but Jamila couldn't get a parking space anywhere. Instead we just drove the entire length of the drive until the buildings became undesirable. There is a significant difference between the "high" profile Rodeo and "low" profile one.
After reaching the end., she turned the car around and tried to look the Chinese theatre. Jerry had the map and was trying to figure out where we were. I just talked to Hung about the rides in Six Flags. He was so hyper to go to Six Flags that he couldn't care less if that was the only place we would visit. Jerry finally found our location on the map and started telling Jamila where to go. I swear they argued and cracked jokes at each other so much that I wondered if they were married or something. We finally reached the theatre. There were a lot of people there.
"Turn here," Jerry pointed.
"OK boss," Jamila responded.
"Let's park over there," Jerry looking at the curb.
Jamilia parked the van, "Are you sure? There's a sign there that we can't park here until 2:00 PM"
Hung waving a hand at Jamila, "Ah don't worry. It's already 1:45 and the cops won't give us a ticket."
"You're paying for the bill if we do?" she snickered.
All of us hopped out of the van and stretched, "It feels good to get out," I said.
"I hate being in the van for so long," Ellen agreed with me.
"Are you guys ready to go?" Myra asked all of us. We nodded out heads in unison.
"Did you get some more film!" Jerry said hyperly jumping over a fire hydrant.
"Calm down," Jamila laughed, "I have plenty of film."
"Group picture!" Hung yelled.
All of us posed with Jamila taking the first picture and I took the second.
"Today is a really nice day," Myra commented.
She was right. The sun was high in the sky and not a cloud in sight. Many people were wearing shorts and casual short sleeve shirts. You can tell if they were vacationing from the typical Hawaiian to the camera and camcorders that people were lugging around. Many of them didn't speak English well and you could hear their native language flow from their mouths. The languages that filtered through the air ranged from Russian, to Mandarin, to Swedish, and on and on. It was a great feeling just to be at the theatre.
We were actually a couple of blocks of the entrance of the theatre. We slowly walked towards it because we were staring at the ground. The sidewalk was lined with stars. Each segment of the sidewalk represented an actor or actress. It ranged from Humphrey Bogart to Jessica Tandy and even fictional characters like Bugs Bunny. Jerry and Jamila would take pictures of the stars they liked the most while Myra, Ellen, Hung and I commented on what we saw.
"There's a lot of stars here," I said, "What happens if they run out of space?"
"I dunno," Ellen replied.
"Probably make the sidewalk wider," Hung kicked in. The four of us laughed.
I looked up, "Hey Jerry!" I yelled at him, "Slow down. We have plenty of time."
He didn't listen cause it looked like he was racing towards the front.
"Why's he in a hurry?" Myra asked Jamila.
"Here's a hint...'No you are not ready'," she said in an old raspy voice.
We weren't sure what she just said. Then it hit me, "Star Wars," I smiled.
Everybody laughed. We continued our slow pace towards the entrance. By the time we got there, were all laughing at Jerry.
"What?"
"You look so cute just staring at the ground," Jamila laughed even more.
Jerry blushed, "Yeah right, but look over here," motioning us over to him.
We walked over to where Jerry was standing and looked at all of the cement imprints.
"My hands are way too small," Myra commented as she knelt down and placed her hands over the impressions.
"Well, my feet are too small," I said, trying to fit into one of the shoe prints.
All of us went around the place looking at the imprints and footprints of past movie actors/actresses. It was a whole lot of fun. Everyone would occasionally tried to compare their hands with various people and got a good laugh along the way. Jerry and I were looking at the movie posters. There were posters for a cheesy science fiction movie as well as some romance flicks. They all looked generic. About an hour passed by and we wanted to walk around through some of the neighborhoods. As we left we were stopped by a guy with a hat. We chatted with him. He said that he worked for Paramount Studios and that he was giving away tickets for some show. It was complimentary and they wanted people there so they can see if the show would do well. Jamila took the tickets and started to walk to the van.
"That was weird," I finally said something.
"Yeah, he was crazy," Jerry laughed.
"Are we going to go?" Hung asked.
"Probably not," Jamila replied.
"I am curious what it would be like," Myra commented and Ellen agreed.
"But I don't like to be invited by some guy who's looks like he just crawled out of the sewer," I commented and everyone laughed.
We got in the van. Luckily, the traffic thinned out a bit and we were able to start cruising around again. This time around, we just drove mindlessly through some neighborhood.
"Look at those houses over there," Myra pointed.
Everyone's jaw dropped, "Can a mansion get any bigger?" Ellen asked.
"Yeah," Hung replied, "Look over there," pointing to an even bigger building.
After staring for a couple of seconds, "How much do you think these are worth?" I asked out of the blue.
"More than we'll ever make," Jerry sighed.
I looked at his saddened face, "Ah don't worry Jerry. Once you get your degree, you'll be able to start your own business and buy one of these one day," he smiled at my assurance.
"Any plans Jamila," Ellen asked still looking through the neighborhood.
"Well," she started, "It's almost 3 and I'm pretty hungry. How about you guys?"
All of us nodded in agreement, "Let's eat at that Carl's Jr. over there," Myra suggested."
Jamila saw the place and parked a few blocks away from it, "Anyone have change?"
"I've got some," I said pulling out a couple of quarters from my pocket.
"OK, that'll give us a few hours. We don't want to be stranded here," Jerry said like a father figure (yeah right).
All of us piled out of the van and stretched a little. "This is a nice neighborhood," Hung commented.
"Yeah...wish I lived here," Myra replied.
"Did you guys think of anything to do later?" Ellen asked Jerry and Jamila.
"Don't know yet," Jamila answered, "But we'll think of something.
The party marched towards the restaurant. Hung and Jerry were playing tag while the rest of us just laughed at how goofy they were. Jerry and Hung stopped for a second when they saw a gay couple walking across the street. They were silent for a while and then resumed their activities. I had the impression that they didn't like those kinds of people. I didn't understand because they lived so close to San Francisco, I would has assumed that they would be used to it.
We finally reached the place and climbed up the stairs. It was a really nice place for a fast food joint. The place was located on the second floor of the structure and the outside looked like it was completely made out of logs. We climbed up the stair and went in.
I scanned the area, "Looks pretty empty."
"People are still working," Ellen stated, "Plus it's Monday."
"You guys go get food, while I find a perfect spot for all of us," I said.
"Sounds good," Jerry replied, "Here's our stuff."
Everyone handed me their bags, cameras or whatnot and I walked around the place. It was almost deserted...almost. There were five guys sitting at a table right next to the window. I couldn't tell who they were, but I assumed that they were just hanging out or something. I went from table to table, to see if there was a good spot. I finally decided to sit in the middle of the place. There was a table which could seat a lot of people and we could also see the entire street through the windows. I sat down and patiently waited for my friends to order their food. I had a clear view of the guys from the table. Two had black hair, two had blonde and one with dreads. One of the blonde hair guy looked real familiar, but I couldn't just think of who it could have been.
"God Lance," Chris nudged him on the side, "That's what, the fourth time you've struck out."
"Ah shutup Chris," Lance looked at his drink, "I'm just in a rut, that's all."
"Whatever," Joey kidded, "You've asked four times in four days and you still haven't gotten a date yet."
"At least I didn't get slapped in the face," Lance spoke and everyone laughed, "I probably need a break to re-think my plan."
"Plan, what plan?" Justin asked, "I didn't think Stealth needed a plan."
"Quit teasing him you guys," JC spoke up, "Maybe he's a little tired from the tour and just needs some rest."
"Some rest, eh?" Lance cocked an eyebrow, "You don't think I can't get a date before we leave?"
"Sounds like a bet to me," Chris smiled widely, "If you get a date by tonight, I'll..." trailing off thinking of what to bet on.
"You'll do whatever I say for a week," Lance finished his thought.
"OK..But if I win, you get to be my personal butler for a week as well. Deal?"
"Deal," Lance and Chris shook hands.
JC looked around the place, "By the looks of this place Lance, you're off at a bad start."
Everyone looked around as well and saw only me on the table. Lance's eyes immediately popped open.
"Looks like you got your work cut out for you," Justin remarked.
Lance was still phased out, "Lance!" Justin barked.
He snapped out of it, "Huh? Yeah...I guess."
Everyone looked at him funny. Then a smiled formed on Lance's face. "Hey Chris, ready to pay up?"
"What are you talking about?" he looked at him with confusion, "You haven't even started yet."
"Oh, you'll see," Lance turning towards him with an mischievous smile.
The rest of my friends finally came back for what seemed like forever.
"Took you guys long enough," I complained.
"Don't look at us," Hung said as he sat down, "Your boy Jerry couldn't decide."
"Typical," I replied.
"Whatever," Jerry smirked.
As everyone sat down and began to munch on their food, Ellen and Myra noticed the five guys on the other table.
"Hey look," Myra whispered to the group, "Those guys are N Sync."
"Really," Jerry whispered back. All of us turned to look at them.
Myra started to giggle, "Shhh," I told her, "Don't make us look stupid."
"Sorry, I couldn't help it," she apologized after catching her breath.
"I wonder what they're doing here," Jamila asked.
"I don't know, but I wish I could get their autographs," Jerry said.
"What, you? Why would you want their autographs?" Hung asked.
"It's not for me," Jerry replied, "It's for my cousin. She's a big fan."
"I guess," Hung replied
"Why don't you go ask them, Jerry?" I suggested.
He looked at me like I was crazy, "Are you nuts! I don't think they want to be bothered now."
"You don't know unless you try," I commented.
"Why don't you go and ask?" Jerry responded.
"Because....I still need to go get my food."
"Whatever," he rolled his eyes back.
"Hey look," Ellen snapped up, "Lance is heading this way!"
Both Myra and Ellen were so excited that they were bouncing up and down in their seats.
"My God! He's coming here!" Myra almost screamed.
I started to laugh, "Calm down. He's just passing through to get his food or something."
"You do know how to ruin things don't you?" Jamila scowled at me.
I just shrugged my shoulder.
Lance walked over and stopped right next to me. "Excuse me," he said, "But I couldn't help notice that you were giggling at us. Is there something you would like to share?"
Everyone on the table froze in their seats. Looking all stupid, I had to save their butts.
"Nope. Nothing at all," I spoke up, "It's just that my friend here wanted to get an autograph from you guys, but is too scared to ask."
Jerry nudged me hard, "Mano," he whined.
Lance laughed, "That's OK. We get that all the time."
Jerry smiled a little, "Oh I'm sorry," I said, "Would you care to take a seat?"
"It would be my pleasure," Lance smiled and sat straight across from me.
Everyone was feeling uncomfortable with Lance sitting right next to us. I guess the aura of a big star kinda phased everybody. Sensing the silence, Lance started to speak up.
"How're you guys doing?"
Again, nobody wanted to speak, "We've been great," I managed to start, "Right now we're on vacation."
"Vacation?" Lance cocked an eyebrow, "That's cool. For how long?"
"About three days or so."
"We'll be staying here for about another week or so. Whatcha guys gonna do?"
"Don't know," I replied turning towards the guys, "Tomorrow, we're supposed to go to Disney Land the whole day and the day after that we'll be heading to Six Flags."
My friends were so stunned that I was making conversation with Lance that they just watched us talk and sat quietly eating their lunch.
Lance knew and just kept talking to me, "Awesome," he said with a smile, "We'll be at Disney tomorrow as well for a little show and then get a chance to chill at Six Flags too."
All the while, the guys of N Sync were getting mighty suspicious of Lance.
"Do you think?" Chris asked looking at Lance.
"Naaa, can't be," JC said, "He wouldn't."
"It looks like you didn't get to order your food yet," Lance noticed that I wasn't eating.
"Oh, I completely forgot. I was waiting for these guys to go get their stuff," I looked at them and they were still mesmerized by the sight.
"I see," nodding his head, "Let's go and get something to eat."
"Sure," I agreed.
We stood up and walked to the counter to order some food and a milkshake.
"I don't believe it," Myra said astonished, "I can't believe that Mano is talking to Lance."
"That was an interesting sight," Jamila commented, "Didn't know he could do that."
"I don't think any of us could've pulled that off," Jerry commented.
I finished ordering my food and Lance and I were walking back to the table.
"Is that all you eat?" he asked.
"Eat what?" I asked back and both of us sat down.
"Fish."
"Well, I do have a hard time taking meat," replying a matter of factly.
"I see. I guess you never had the joy of tasting a hamburger," he said jokingly.
"Ah shaddap," both of us laughed.
Then Lance just looked into my eyes. It wasn't uncomfortable or anything, but kinda awkward with my friends and his friends sitting there near us. I could feel that he had something on his mind. I just smiled back at him.
"Did you eat yet?" I asked, breaking the silence.
"Yeah I did already," he replied sounding a bit sad.
"Milkshake?" I offered
"What kind?"
"Strawberry."
"You bet," he said and I smiled.
I handed him the shake and he took a pretty long sip.
"I want some too," I joked.
"Oops, sorry about that," he stopped drinking and handed me the shake.
I took a pretty big sip too. I think my friends gasp, but I could really tell. I think they were shocked that I used the same straw that Lance just used. I didn't care.
"By the way," Lance started up, "Where are you staying?"
"Us? We're staying at the Best Western just a couple of blocks away from Disney."
"Really?" his eyes grew wide, "We're staying at Disney Hotel. That's so cool. We could probably hang out or something."
"Probably," I shrugged my shoulders, "It depends what these guys want to do."
"Oh I see," he nodded, "Say, you wouldn't happen to do anything tonight, would you?"
I looked at Jerry and he nodded, "Nope, don't think so."
There was a long pause. Lance took a deep breath, "OK enough of this beating around the bush. I noticed you from the table over there and you are damn cute," I was shocked at what he just said as well as everybody, N Sync and my friends, "How bout you..me..dinner..tonight?"
Just then, Jerry suddenly grabbed my arm and pulled me up, "If you please excuse us?" he said sternly. Both of us walked to the exit of the building.
JC came over the table as well, "Lance, please come with me," Lance reluctantly replied.
"What the hell was that for?" JC almost screamed at him.
"What?" shrugging his shoulders.
"What do you mean what? That shit you just pulled with the guy," saying hysterically.
"Look," pointing at JC, "Everybody's making fun at me for not getting a date, so why not with him?"
"That's just it," JC calmed down, "He's a guy."
"So....Just this one time so I can win the bet, OK?"
JC thought for a minute, "OK, but if you get caught, our asses will be in the fryer for a very long time."
"Understood," Lance smiled.
"You're not serious, are you?" Jerry said.
"Serious about his proposal?" I asked.
"Duh...you're not actually gonna go out with him are you?"
"Why not? He seems cool enough"
He looked at me with dismay, "What if he takes it the wrong way or something?"
"Relax," I put my hand on his shoulder, "I can take care of myself and besides it's just gonna be for one night. Nothing will happen, I promise."
He took a deep breath, "OK...I trust you."
"Good."
"But no funny business," be both laughed at his comment.
Lance and I re-joined the nervous group. There was an awkward silence in the air and no one dared to speak.
"Let me ask you something before I say my answer," I said to Lance,
He cocked an eyebrow, "Sure go ahead."
"How can you say that without losing it?"
"I don't know," he shrugged his shoulders, "I've had a lot of practice."
"Did you try this on other people?"
"Yeah..."
"Did it work?"
He looked at the table, "No..."
"Well, I guess today's your lucky day," he popped his head up with astonishment, "Though next time, you should use something more subtle."
I swore that everyone's jaw dropped through the floor.
"Yeah, maybe I should," he replied laughing, "So will it be your place or mine?"
I thought for a moment. "I'll meet you outside of the hotel. I need to get changed and all."
"I understand," he smiled, "Around 8?"
"Sounds good," I said finishing off my sandwich, "And my the looks of your friends that it's time for you to go."
He turned around and saw that the guys were getting up. A small frown formed on his face. He and I got up and Lance gave me a deep hug.
"I love you," he whispered in my ear.
When we broke the hug, I almost let a tear roll down my cheek, but I had to keep my composure.
"See you later," I said and he smiled.
Lance walked to the guys and they left the building. I plopped down in my seat and swirled my milkshake.
"I can't believe you did that!" Myra said.
I snapped to attention, "Did what?"
"You got a date with Lance," I blushed.
"Hey, it's just for tonight and he's a cool guy. You swear it's serious," I replied sarcastically.
"Are you sure you want to play with his emotions?" Jamila asked concerned.
"What do you mean?"
"What if he falls for you, but then you tell him that you're not gay and he like...goes crazy or depressed."
"Don't worry about it," I assured her, "Everything's gonna turn out OK."
"I guess."
We chatted a bit more in the place before heading out to the van.
"So any plans for your big date?" Hung joked.
"Whatever," I rolled my eyes back.
There was small silence during the walk back.
"Hey Mano," Ellen spoke up.
"Yeah."
"Are...are you gay?" she asked nervously.
I stopped dead in my tracks and looked at her dead in the eye. She flinched back a little, "No," I said coldly.
"J..just asking," she stuttered back.
After that we resumed towards the van. During the ride back, everyone was quiet. I wasn't sure if they were quiet because I was offended by Ellen's question or was quiet because I was going to have a night out with Lance. In either case, I didn't care much at what they thought. They've always looked down upon my actions...never really taking me seriously. I really didn't care about them.
We finally reached the hotel and Jamila parked pretty close to our rooms. The girls had one and the guys had the other. It was a big room with a double bed. Hung, Jerry and I decided that each of us would get to sleep by ourselves each day. It would be Jerry who went first. I followed along. It was about 6 and Hung and Jerry just chatted with me.
"I had no idea that Lance was gay," Jerry started, "I wonder if anyone else there is gay."
"Who cares," Hung replied, "I just want to know how Mano ended up with him."
I shrugged my shoulders, "I don't know. Remember I'm just doing this cause I feel sorry for him. He used that corny line and of course he could get a date. I'm just doing this out of sympathy."
"I guess," Jerry shrugged, "What are you gonna do?"
I don't know," I thought for a moment, "He said he wanted dinner. I guess we'll be eating out."
"Awwww, and he's paying," Hung nudged at me.
"Yeah...right," I rolled my eyes.
"You think he might take this the wrong way?" Jerry asked in concern.
"I don't think so," I responded, "He's smart enough to figure it out."
"What if..." Jerry looked at the ground.
"What if?" I asked.
"You know...what if he...kinda...um...goes overboard," he stuttered out.
"He won't," I tried to assure him, "He's a nice guy. I don't think he'll do anything crazy or anything."
"But you only knew him for that short amount of time," Hung said seriously, "Look if anything goes wrong, we'll beat the crap out of him."
I sat there in silence, "Thanks, guys. You're the best," I gave both of them a quick hug. "I need to look at my clothes so I can look decent."
I opened my suitcase and sifted through all the clothes I had. I knew that I packed one set of semi-formal clothes just in case we would end up clubbing or something. I finally found the clothes to wear that night. I had a pair of dark blue slacks with a matching dark blue dress shirt. I went into the bathroom and quickly changed clothes. When I came out, Hung and Jerry was impressed.
"You look pretty good," Jerry said.
"Not as good as me though," Hung bragged.
"Yeah right," I replied, "I'll be on my way and don't worry I'll be all right."
"But remember," Jerry spoke up, "If anything happens..."
"Yeah, yeah...nothing will," sounding like an annoyed teenager.
I said my good-byes and left the room. I quickly walked to the Disney Hotel. My heart was beating almost a mile a minute. I couldn't believe that I would spend time with him. I was excited and yet at the same time I felt guilty. I don't know why, but I just felt like it. I slowed down my pace and slowly walked the remainder of the way. I finally could see the entrance to the hotel. I was amazed at all the girls that are camped out there. 'How am I supposed to get in?' I thought.
I took a deep breath and headed towards the entrance. I had to shove past a couple of people and I finally managed to get in. I looked around, but I couldn't see Lance anywhere. I sat down on one of the padded chairs and waited for Lance to appear. There were a lot of people around, maybe because N Sync were staying that the annoying teenagers where romping around. The elevators opened and I immediately recognized the spike hair.
I stood up and walked towards him, "Hey, what's up? Ready to go?"
"All ready to check out," he smiled at me, "Let's go around the back."
"That might be a good idea," I followed him through the back exit, "Do you know where we're going?"
"Yeah...there's a little restaurant that's pretty close. I think you'll like it," he replied smiling wickedly.
"We're not taking a ride or anything?" I questioned.
Lance smiled, "You could read me like a book, huh?"
"Had lots of practice," laughing back.
We headed out the exit and slowly walked down the street. Both of us admired the lights softly emanating from the buildings all over the place. The walk was a quiet and peaceful one. I felt relieved that he was there by my side. I think he felt the same way to. We reached the Italian and was immediately seated in a far corner. Lance had already made reservations and we were on time. I just couldn't help look at his serene face.
"This is kinda over-doing it?" I commented looking all around.
"You don't like?"
"No..I do, but this is a bit much. I was hoping for a less fancy setting, that's all."
"You're so down to earth," he smiled at me, "That's what I like about you."
I blushed, "Looks like stardom hadn't affected you much, did it?"
"It has it quirks," he smiled wickedly.
"I bet one of the isn't getting dates," I joked.
He frowned, "I'm sorry...I didn't mean it," I apologized.
"No don't be," he looked at me, "I'm just not good at dating, that's all."
"Oh, OK...Say why'd you ask me out in front of so many people?"
"Oh that...sorry about that"
"Sorry about what?"
"You see the rest of the guys kept making fun of me because I couldn't get a date in so long..." he said trailing off.
"I see," I assured him, "You're just trying to get even with them. Didn't know you were so vengeful."
"Well...living with the guys 24 7, you kinda get annoyed at them a little," he said and I smiled at him.
"At least you're not lonely."
"Actually...I am sometimes. Sometimes, I want someone just to hold me...to care for me..." he softly said looking at the table.
"I'm here...if you want."
"Thanks..." he looked up and stared lovingly into my eyes.
"So...are we gonna do anything after dinner," I slowly said trying to change the subject.
"Can we just walk around?" he looked at me with those light green eyes of his. His eyes were sort of filled with sadness and at the same time relief. Somehow, I felt the same way about him as well.
After dinner we left the restaurant and just strolled along the streets. I pointed at the different buildings and he did the same. The whole time we were walking, I had my arm over his shoulder. I didn't realize it when he kinda brushed it off when he saw some people walking towards us. Once they passed by, I would resume with my hand over his shoulder again.
I asked about it and he says that there could be consequences to it. I understood what he said and this time I would try to be more careful. The walk around the place was quiet and serene. I felt finally felt complete. It was getting very dark and it was getting late. I suggested that we should go back. Lance reluctantly agreed and we strolled over to the hotel.
It was around midnight and there was no one around at the front entrance. I chuckled a little when I thought about the fans that were camped out there just a few hours ago. We silently entered the lobby and took the elevator. Inside the elevator, I went behind Lance and wrapped my around his waist. I placed my head on his shoulders and closed my eyes. Lance sifted his hand through my hair and we stood there as one until the elevator chimed to his floor.
When the door opened he softly asked if I could stay in his room for a little while. I couldn't say no and silently followed him through the hallways. He opened the door and I followed him in. He took off his clothes and put on something to sleep in. I kicked off my shoes and lay on the bed.
Lance smiled and snuggled up next to me. He laid his head on my chest and I softly brushed his hair. Our breaths were synchronized and just lay there on the bed. We must have been awake for some time because he and I kept moving. Finally Lance spoke.
"I had a wonderful time," he sighed, "Do you want to go out again...tomorrow?"
"I would like that very much," I whispered in his ear.
He closed his eyes, "I love you so much."
"I love you too...James," and we both drifted off into the night.