CHAPTER TWO: Thank you so much for the feedback, and keep it up! It's the only way I know to continue writing. Here's a short chapter to move along the plot, but a chapter with more sex will be up in a day or two. Remember, if you aren't interested in explicit content, don't read. This work is copyrighted. Enjoy! I'd love to hear your suggestions.
Please email me at nervousfragments@yahoo.com
Reality was just beginning to set in. It was still unbelievable, but after our plane landed and I quietly followed Alex to our bags, and then a train that would bring us into Manhattan, I was a little more grounded. Yes, this was really happening, but I was still Kyle, just joining my new friend on a family trip. We hadn't really spoken much; it had only been a day.
Sitting on the train, I looked around as we throttled through a black tunnel. A girl peered at me from under her hood, an Asian guy with an iPod looked at the close proximity between me and Alex. I hadn't realized how close he always sat to me. It made the silence tolerable, and even welcome. Alex was listening to his iPod too, I glanced over and saw that it was a band I liked.
"I love that song," I said.
"What?" He plucked an earphone out.
"I love the song you're listening to." He handed me the earphone and we shared listening.
"Yeah, I love playing it," he offered.
"Guitar?"
"Bass. Why, do you play?"
"Yeah, guitar."
And then we talked about guitars. This was how conversations started. I'd just have to try, because Alex seemed content just sitting quietly. I wanted him to know how grateful I was for this opportunity.
"Next station is the last stop," announced a burly voice over the loudspeaker. "New York, Penn Station."
We were here. I was excited, while Alex, of course, was nonchalant. I looked for an exit. I couldn't wait to see the city. Instead, Alex led me down a sloping hallway and two staircases, to a subway. Would I ever be outside?
As I waited for him to find a subway card in his suitcase, I called my Mom. I told her about the plane ride and she thanked me for "remembering her." I heard a man in the background. She often dated, but rarely brought anyone home. I never met my Dad.
I held the phone away as Alex walked toward me, smiling with a subway card in his hand, suitcase wheeling behind him in the other.
"I have to go, Mom."
"Alright, hon. Alex's mom just stopped by with an itinerary, so I'll always know where you are. She said she was heading to the airport now. You and Alex have to make your way to the Palace Hotel. That's the hotel chain kind enough to pay for your summer!"
"I was wondering about that..."
"Love you, Ky."
"Love you too."
My mom used to be a flight attendant, so she wasn't too shocked (or jealous) about my travels. I was lucky to have such a good relationship with her. She knew I was gay, and supported everything I did. Katy always called her a "cool mom."
Alex heard our conversation and, as he led me to a bench to wait for the subway, added to it.
"My dad gets an allowance every week from the company for transportation and food and stuff, while we're all traveling. His business partner was supposed to be here, but he stayed in California. So it's his 'allowance' paying for you."
"Tell him I say thank you!"
A loud subway rushed along the tracks. Its doors parted for us, and a mass of all sorts of people flooded out. Alex held on to my hand, which in turn was holding a heavy suitcase. We sat down in two corner seats.
"When's the last time you were here?" I asked. "You seem to know your way around."
"A year ago, but we were here for a long bloody time. I love New York."
"Cool." I thought I would too, if I ever saw it.
"Don't worry, I'll be just as lost as you as the trip goes on."
I laughed. That would be fun too.
The subway screeched to a halt. We were downtown, in SoHo. This is where the hotel had been built. Alex told me it was really nice, but also new and stood out from the rest of the area. We left the subway and walked up a flight of stairs. We were in New York! The sun was beaming and reflecting off buildings, with every store, person and restuarant I could imagine. Down one street, I could see the hazy image of the Empire State Building. It was unreal for me. Alex just kept walking, checking street signs in the distance.
I was falling behind.
"Hurry up!" he called playfully.
I caught up and followed him across a street, we then turned right and halted at a looming black glass building with red and gold flags jutting out. There was a red awning that guarded revolving doors. Above all this, the building was emblazoned with silver lettering that read PALACE HOTEL. Palace Hotels, our benefactor.
"We're here," Alex announced, out of breath. He smiled. I smiled back and asked when if I'd get to see New York! Due to the time difference, we had lost 3 hours. It was already nearing evening.
"I'm starving," Alex replied. He continued, "we can go check in with my dad and unpack. If there's no plans for tonight, we can eat and explore the city."
"Sounds good. I need a shower too," I said suggestively. I did need to wash up, but the hint couldn't hurt. I wanted to remind Alex that we were both horny teenagers, and yesterday, for a few seconds, we had kissed.
"First things first," he said. His strong hand assuredly patted my ass, but he quickly removed it and pushed through the hotel's revolving doors.
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