Copyright 2001. Disclaimer:
a) The following story is a work of fiction, and the rights of this series belong to its author.
b) If you are breaking one or more of your local laws by reading this, don't read any further! And,
c) Sorry for the long break, I was busy trying to learn how to be a better writer. As they say, "Practice makes perfect," but it helps to refresh one's self on the basic rules of writing. I think over time that I can improve what I write, but in the meantime I hate to keep everyone (including myself) waiting. I also took the time to spin off Eric's story into the gay/college section, as I think his character will become important. Sorry to leave you guys hanging, thanks for writing and asking me if I was planning to continue!
Chapter 8. Stuck In The Middle-
I cautiously opened an eye, unfortunately it was the one pressed into Jase's chest. I opened the other.
"Er, what did you say?"
"I said, Eric's sweet on you, isn't he?"
"Define `sweet'."
Jase pushed me off his chest and sat up in bed, drawing the sheets around his waist.
"Get up here and talk to me, I want to know what happened today."
"But. . ." I sighed again for what felt like the millionth time that day and drew myself up against the headboard, stealing both of Jase's pillows to back me up.
"Right then. Eric confessed his undying love for me, and then we worked everything out. Ok?"
"No, not ok." Jase leaned slightly towards me and spoke again.
"Talk. . .to. . .me."
I decided I wasn't going to be able to joke my way out of this, so I met his gaze, and, mentally placing one hand on the Bible gave him my sworn testimony.
Jase lay down and stole back a pillow to support his head.
"I'm not mad." He crossed his arms.
I looked across at the palm fronds obscuring the window, their size and general healthiness a symbol of the relationship we had. It had grown and strengthened since he first gave it to me, and I never saw it without thinking of him in some way.
"Honey, do you think I led him on somehow?"
"No, I don't think so." He looked up at me and then away.
"But I think I know what he sees in you."
Everything blurred as his heartfelt words made me cry. It was too much; the day had had to many ups and downs. I covered my eyes with a hand and let it out.
An arm crept across my waist, and then another behind my back as Jase pressed his face into my tummy.
"Please don't cry, babe. . .it'll be alright. " His voice was husky as he, too, was caught up in the moment.
"I didn't do an-anything. . ." My voice trailed upwards on a soft wail as I thought of the hurt that I had somehow caused two of my favorite guys, one of which I was pledged to for life, and the other I had begun to feel very protective of.
"Shh. It'll be alright." Jase's arms continued to hold me tight as I cried us both to sleep.
Time passed, and we managed to sort things out. The first week was painfully awkward; Jase kept giving Eric the occasional `look', and Eric walked on eggshells around us the whole time. He still worked as hard as ever, but you could tell something had changed.
Eric finally approached Jase and they had their talk about me; much like before, they went to the roof for privacy, only I stayed below. In the end, though, they both came downstairs smiling.
"Eric Little-Man has agreed to come over tomorrow to watch movies with us."
My eyebrows went up at this announcement of reconciliation and Jase grinned at me. Eric feinted at Jase for the remark about his size, forcing Jase to duck back with both hands raised to ward him off.
"Little, huh?" Eric grinned and grabbed his crotch. "Better feel again!"
Jase got him in a bear hug and they tussled briefly-he let Eric pin him to the floor, and as Eric raised his hands over his head in triumph, Jase pitched him off to one side.
Before they took this any further, I intervened. "OK, guys-enough. Stop horsing around, before you knock something over and piss me off."
Jase held up a hand for assistance and said meekly, "Yes, love dumpling," as I took it and started to help him up.
The combined thud as he hit the floor and I lost my balance and fell made Eric roll over laughing and holding his side. Jase's pained expression was enough to get me started from where I had fallen, and after a moment the laughter was multiplied by three as Jase finally joined in.
Kara actually knocked before sticking her head in the door, briefly taking in the sight of us pounding the floor in hilarity.
"If I didn't know better, I'd say there was a herd of elephants up here." Hands on her hips, she gave us her best no-nonsense look.
"I've got plaster falling from the ceiling downstairs, and won't be pretty if I have to come up here again. . ." The threat lingered in the now silent room, with only the occasional muffled snicker reflecting our previous mirth.
"I mean it." She pointed the Finger of Death at us each in turn, then stalked away, closing the door behind her firmly. As her footsteps faded, we sat up and looked at each other. The crisis was over, and our friendships and relationships were stronger than ever. I was proud of them both, especially Jase for making this work out. It really was going to be all right.