This story is a work of fiction. It depicts a romance between two consenting adult males and may contain some descriptions of sexual acts, again between two consenting adult males. If you are not of legal age to read this kind of story, please leave now. If you reside in an area where reading stories that include sexual situations between two consenting adult males is illegal, please leave now. This story is for entertainment purposes only. Any similarity to any person(s) living or dead is simply a coincidence. The author retains all rights to this story. It cannot be reproduced in any form without expressed written permission from the author (me). Please contact the author for any requests. Copyright 2005.
I HAVE A NEW E-MAIL ADDRESS
Feedback (and criticism) is ALWAYS appreciated and welcome. Please respond to this story at: jaden.scott@adelphia.net
I look forward to hearing from all of you and I will respond if you write to me.
Thanks to all of you who have written so far with your encouraging words. I have appreciated every one of them. Jaden
I KNOW, I KNOW--it has taken me FOREVER to get this chapter finished. I am really sorry. Life has a way of sneaking up on you and before you know it 3 weeks have passed. I promise, promise, promise that chapter 8 will be out in a much shorter amount of time. I already have some of it written. Thanks for being patient with me. Jaden
LOVER'S LANE
by Jaden
From the end of Chapter Four (the previous cliffhanger): Once he was out of sight, I groaned aloud and started rubbing my forehead with my hand. What have I gotten myself into here?? I've been in almost constant turmoil since I met this guy. Maybe I should just walk away. I'm not sure if I can handle this. I'm not sure if I'm ready for this.
I looked to my left and saw the path leading to my apartment and safety. I looked to my right and saw the table I told Lane that George and I would be waiting at. What should I do?? What SHOULD I do??
I thought about it for a moment and made up my mind. I started walking toward.........
CHAPTER SEVEN: GETTING TO KNOW YOU / TALKING AND BANTERING
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THIS CHAPTER SWITCHES BACK AND IS TOLD FROM JADEN'S POINT OF VIEW. I WILL CLEARLY INDICATE IF / WHEN WE SWITCH BACK TO LANE'S POINT OF VIEW
I thought about it for a moment and made up my mind. I started walking toward safety--my apartment. I really felt like I needed to get away, collect my thoughts, and process everything--especially my churning emotions. I felt bad about leaving without giving Lane an explanation--he didn't deserve that type of treatment from me. At the same time, a sense of relief washed over me once I had made up my mind to leave. I needed to take control of this situation. Still, I couldn't help but wonder what Lane would think about me leaving so suddenly. Would he think I was a flake, or worse, a pyscho?? Would he ever try to speak to me again?? As usual, I was having my contradictory thoughts--I wanted to get away from Lane, but I didn't want him to hate me in the process.
I hadn't taken more than three steps when my right arm jerked and I had to stop walking. George!!! He wasn't following me and my arm holding the leash had jerked. George remained standing on the sidewalk in the same spot where we had been talking to Lane just a few moments ago.
"Come on George. Let's get going.", I said as I pulled on his leash.
George did not move and just sat there looking at me. What is going on with him?? He was giving me this look that said 'where the hell are you going??'. I yanked on George's leash a couple of more times but he refused to budge. All of the sudden, George took off running--the action suprised me so much that I let go of his leash. George ran over to the picnic table that I had told Lane we would meet him at and he proceeded to lay down right in front of it. That little shit!!! Apparently he realized I was trying to leave and he decided we were going to stay and continue talking to Lane. What a weird dog!!!
I walked over to the picnic table and picked up the end of his leash. I wanted to leave and I wasn't going to let George stop me.
"Come on George. Let's go--NOW!", I repeated much more firmly.
I pulled on his leash again but George refused to move. OK-now I was getting frustrated. I wasn't going to allow my DOG to dictate my life to me.
"George--MOVE IT BUDDY! I don't feel like carrying you but I will if I have to."
"If you have to what??" said a voice directly behind me.
I froze when I heard the voice--HIS voice. DAMMIT, it was Lane and he was back with the drinks already. SHIT--OK, I thought, don't panic. GEORGE!!! You are in soooo much trouble when we get home.
I slowly turned around and looked at Lane. He was flashing me one of his patented smiles. I couldn't help but think how good looking he was. Suddenly, I realized that Lane had heard the last part of my sentence to George and was expecting an answer. I thought quickly and came up with,
"Oh, um...put him back on his leash.", came running out to my mouth. "George, I mean. I was, um, telling him I would take off his leash but if he started acting up, I would put it back on if I have to"
Whoa---I can't believe I just made up a lie that quickly. I didn't like to lie, but I really didn't want Lane to know that I was trying to leave just a few short seconds ago. Lane stood there looking at me.
"Um...I'd better take him off of his leash since I promised.", I said. I walked over to George and bent down. "Stay right around this table---no running away, got it?? I said to him.
I unhooked the leash. George immediately trotted over to Lane. He really likes this guy I thought to myself. Once again, I was amazed at how fast George seemed to be taking to him.
"Here, I got 3 bottles of water.", Lane said to me. He proceeded to set them down on the table.
I reached into my pocket and pulled out the small collapsable drinking bowl for George and I filled it up with some water. George started drinking quickly once I got it ready for him. After I finished getting George's water set up, Lane and I each took seats on opposite sides of the picnic table.
My thoughts were all jumbled up. I had really wanted to leave and avoid this conversation--at least for the time being. I knew that I was trying to run away from my problems--it's just that soooo much had happened between Lane and me in such a short amount of time. I was completely overloaded. Nothing I can do about that now. I just have to try and relax and get this conversation over with as quickly as possible.!!!
"He's thristy.", Lane said while looking over at George. "So, why George? I mean, why did you decide to name your dog George??"
"I'm not sure. I took one look at him and the name 'George' popped into my head. I felt like an ordinary dog name like 'Spot' didn't fit him, nor did any of the other names I tried. I guess he just looked like a 'George' to me.", I responded.
"How long have you had him?", Lane asked me.
"For a little over three years. He was a high school graduation gift from my parents. Actually his birthday is coming up in a few weeks---he'll be 4 years old.
I thought I would be a wreck if I had to face Lane again. Whether he knew it or not, asking me about George was actually helping me---I could feel myself start to calm down from the craziness I had felt just a few short moments ago. I had really wanted to go home and escape, but I was beginning to second guess myself. Maybe that wouldn't have been the best decision. It's not like we were on a date or anything---we were going to talk about work-out schedules for pete's sake!! While talking was something I was usually horrible at, it felt much easier to do around Lane. This is sooo out of character for me---I am ALWAYS so shy around people--especially guys. I don't know what it is about Lane--on the one hand I was freaking out over meeting this incredibly hot guy that I was...ATTRACTED to!!! On the other hand, he had a presence that seemed so easygoing and friendly---I found myself starting to WANT to talk to him.
"So, if I've done my math correctly, that makes you a senior this year, right??", Lane asked me.
"Yeah, that's right. I'm a senior. You??
"Cool, I'm a senior too."
I looked down and noticed that George was done drinking his water. After finishing, he walked over and sat down right next to Lane. Unbelievable!! Lane noticed and reached down to scratch George behind the ears.
"Are you going to be graduating at the end of the year??", I asked him. "I've heard of alot of people that take 5 or even 6 years to complete their undergraduate degree."
"I'm definitely going to graduate this year. I really wanted to complete my degree in 4 years, so I have concentrated on my studies and tried not to goof off--at least not too much.", he said, flashing that breathtaking smile once again.
I noticed something about his teeth--not only were they straight, but they were very white too. After all of the problems I had with my teeth after "IT" happened, I had developed an unusual fascination with other people's teeth. After all of the surgeries that I had gone through to re-construct my jaw and my teeth, I took extra special care of my mouth and I noticed when someone else did too. Another major point in Lane's favor.
"I feel the same way. So, what are you majoring in??"
What are you MAJORING in?? Who the hell am I, asking questions like this?? I have NEVER done this before. We were supposed to be discussing our work-out schedules but somehow I felt compelled to ask him some questions to try and get to know him better. I realized I wanted to know EVERYTHING about him. I had to choke back a momentary feeling of fear--GO AWAY BLACK CLOUD OF DOOM. Let me do this.
"Microbiology.", he responded.
"Microbiology?? That sounds....impressive, but also like a hard course of study."
"Alot of people tell me that it sounds hard, but I don't think it's too bad. Like any major, you have to really like what you are studying or else it would be impossible to make it through the classes.", he said to me. "What about you, what are you majoring in??"
He wants to know what I'm majoring in!!!
"Creative writing and English. And--you're right, about having to like what you are studying. I can't imagine majoring in anything else.
"I know exactly what you mean. I had never considered microbiology until my senior year of high school, but once I discovered it, I knew that it was the right fit for me. I really enjoy my classes and learning about things like bacteria and viruses. It's definitely not for everyone. Luckily, my parents have been very supportive of my choices. Some of my friends let their parents influence what major they are in and now they are really regretting it."
"My parents have been supportive too. I think that is really important.", I said.
"So, Jaden, what do you want to do when you graduate? Do you want to become a writer, or maybe trying some teaching??"
"My ultimate goal is to become a published writer--and get PAID for doing it. I think I'll always write, even if it is just for myself. Actually, I would love to have something published that has some sort of effect on the reader--maybe even help someone in some way. I think that would be awesome."
I still couldn't believe it---I was talking to him. Having a conversation. I realized I was feeling so much more calm and relaxed than just a little while ago. Maybe I can do this!!! Whatever else happens, I was aware that I really wanted to become Lane's friend. Even more than that, I felt that I NEEDED to become Lane's friend. I mean--I was telling him stuff about myself very few people knew--and those people were my parents and therapist. I didn't have any friends that I could talk to about this kind of stuff. I realized how much I had been missing out on. Another thing I realized ---the black cloud of doom hadn't reared it's ugly head in the last few minutes. I could get used to that thing staying away.
"Wow--that is exactly how I feel. I'm not sure exactly what type of job I'm going to get after I graduate, but I hope that whatever I end up doing makes a difference in other people's lives. I've been thinking that I want to pursue a job in the medical field. If I do go that route, I'll probably have to go through some additional schooling, but I think it would be worth it. So--what kinds of stories are you thinking about writing, if that's not too personal to ask?? Have you ever entered anything like a short story in an amateur writing contest or maybe posted something on the internet??, Lane asked me.
"I haven't done anything with my fictional writing yet. But I guess I have had some stuff published--in the school newspaper. During my sophomore year, my faculty advisor suggested that I should try submitting something to the school paper. Up until that point, I hadn't even considered trying to write something for the paper. I always thought of myself as a creative FICTIONAL writer, but I decided I might as well give it a chance. I came up with an idea to do some interviews with some of the older residents of the town---kind of a human interest and historical story all rolled into one. I started by interviewing my landlord, Mrs. Van Lehn (pronounced "Van Lane"). She's lived in this town since 1957--in fact she's lived in the SAME house that whole time. It was interesting to hear her tell all of the stories about the town and the college. Even more interesting was to hear her perspective on how everything has changed--especially the students--over the years. I wrote something up and submitted that to the paper. To be honest, I was a bit suprised when they published it. Since then I done about 10 more of those stories. I always try to find an older person who has resided here for a long time--those interviews seem to make the best stories.
"WOW", Lane exclaimed. "You wrote those stories?? I've read all of them. They were EXCELLENT. Seriously--dude--you are very talented and a great writer. I always wondered who had written those stories. They were really interesting to read."
I could feel my cheeks starting to blush--I had never heard such praise for my writing before--or maybe I had never really listened to it before. Sure, I had sent my parents the articles that I had written and they ranted and raved over them. But--they are my PARENTS, I think they are supposed to like whatever I write. The editor at the school paper had told me the stories were outstanding, but I didn't listen to her either. I was very critical of myself and my writing ability. I'm not sure why, but another one of the side effects of "IT" was how LOW my self esteem was. I rarely felt I was good at anything, I never felt attractive enough, and I always doubted my abilities. In general, I never felt like I was good enough. Hearing Lane praise my work so effusely was awesome and, for the first time, I actually started to realize that my writing was good. I also realized that Lane's opinion REALLY mattered to me. I had only met the guy a few short hours ago, but I found myself caring what he thought of my work. I was thankful that he was giving me such positive feedback.
"Um...thanks. Thanks alot. I'm..uh..I'm g-glad you enjoyed the art-articles." Crap--I was stuttering again. Get a grip on yourself, Jaden!!
I think Lane noticed me blushing and stuttering becasue he came to the rescue.
"Jaden--Hey!! Don't be embarassed!! You should be proud of your accomplishments. I know I could never write like that--in fact, most people can't. It's OK to feel satisfied with your work. YOur writing talent is a GOOD thing."
Two major thoughts went through my head simultaneously. First I thought, 'You know what?? Lane is right---my talent is a good thing.' I had never given myself any credit. I realized that besides my parents and the editor of the paper, people had enjoyed all of the articles I had done. I had read more than a few 'letters to the editor' after one of my pieces had been printed and all of the feedback was positive. For some reason, I had ignored those responses, or at least not really "heard" them. I wasn't going to do that anymore.
Second was the emotions coursing through my body. As Lane made his last comments he reached accross the table and gently squeezed my hands (which I had folded on top of the table) for a brief moment. It was such a simple gesture, but my reaction was anything but simple. I had finally calmed down from the brief shoulder squeeze he had given me earlier and now he had to go and touch me again. CAN'T THIS GUY KEEP HIS HANDS TO HIMSELF!!! So many thoughts and questions were swirling around inside of my head---why was he touching me?? Was it a friendly gesture, or did it mean something more? Once again (and for probably the 50th time just today) I cursed my lack of social skills. Are quick touches (like the shoulder and hand squeezing) something that people (or dare I say--friends) do during a conversation, maybe to emphasize the point being made?? I wasn't sure. The only thing I was sure of was that I wished he would STOP TOUCHING ME, at least until I had time to decompress.
Suddenly, the black cloud of doom was back. It had stayed away for awhile, but it was making a nasty return. I can't handle him touching me anymore, I thought. I CAN'T HANDLE IT. This has been too much for one day. My brain was on sensory overload. The feeling I had earlier--when I had tried to escape and go home--was back. It was back with a vengence. I needed to get out of there.
Luckily Lane just touched my hand for a brief second, so I didn't have to jerk my hands away and risk looking like a huge idiot. I decided I needed to change the subject and finish this conversation so I could (as gracefully as possible) get the HELL out of there.
"Thanks Lane.", I said as I took a look down at my watch. "Wow--it's 10AM already. I'm going to have to be leaving soon--I have a class that starts at 11. Did you want to talk about the work-out issue??"
Because I didn't have any real friends and because I spent much of my time alone (with the exception of George), I had a difficult time reading body language. I wasn't sure if it was my imagination, but I thought that Lane looked disappointed for a brief moment after I told him that I would have to be leaving soon. He managed to recover very quickly.
"Yeah. That's a good idea. I have a class I have to be getting to also."
"Ok. Let's get started.", I said.
We talked for another 20 minutes. Having always worked out alone, I was curious as to why Lane wanted a workout partner. Basically, it came down to a motivation issue for him. At least, that is what he told me his reasoning was. Apparently, he and a couple of his buddies used to work out together in the early evening hours but, after having an evening class last semester, Lane had decided to start working out in the mornings. None of his friends wanted to get up that early to work out. According to Lane, even though he had no evening classes this semester, he found he liked getting up early to work out and decided to keep that schedule. He had done his workouts alone all of last semester, something he really didn't like to do. He told me he had decided to look for a workout partner this year. He admitted that when he saw me at the gym today he remembered seeing me regularly during last semester, so he decide to approach me about working out together.
I have to admit that I fantasized that he had been watching me at the gym all of last semester and he finally couldn't take it anymore and HAD to approach me. I fantasized that he had ulterior motives in mind. (Boy, if I only knew what Lane had really been up to!!) As usual, my famous contradictory thinking surfaced yet again. I realized I wanted him to have noticed me but I also didn't want him to have noticed me. If he had noticed me and was watching me--that may mean he LIKES me and I can't handle that!! I AM NOT READY FOR A RELATIONSHIP. If he hadn't noticed or been watching me, that may mean I'm not all that important to him, just someone to work-out with. That part of me was upset that he could possibly NOT LIKE me. Like I said, confusing contradictory thoughts.
I have to admit there was a certain part of me that thought it was kind of fun to think that maybe he did like me and wanted to get to know me better. FRIENDSHIP, FRIENDSHIP, FRIENDSHIP, I had to keep reminding myself. Let's try to make some friends first and see how that works out before we plunge into deeper relationships. Anyway, sex was completely out of the question, at least for the forseeable future.
I explained to Lane that I lifted weights 3 days per week, ran 3 days per week and always took Sundays off. Luckily, he had a similar workout philosophy to me and he also took Sundays off. He told me that he didn't want to become huge, he just wanted to stay fit and healthy. He was happy with his current size and weight. The two major differences between our two work-out schedules was that he was currently lifting weights 4 days a week and doing some type of cardiovascular activity on the other 2 days---but not much running. He admitted, though, that he might be lifting too much and he felt that getting out and running more often might be a welcome change. He almost choked on his water when I told him I was running 7 or 8 miles per session. He wasn't sure if he could make it that far, but I assured him that he'd be running that distance with no problems fairly quickly, especially since he was already in such good shape. Lane was a little bit more intense in his lifting sessions than I was but we decided to pretty much keep our normal weight lifting routines--we could still be there to support and motivate each other without changes those routines.
Truthfully, I really didn't NEED a workout partner to support or motivate me. I had been following my workout program for 9 years and I never had any problems getting up and going to the gym or going running. I really enjoyed my workouts--they were fun for me and I always felt great afterward. But--I liked the idea that Lane and I would be spending alot of time together. I figured that, at the very least, we would have to become friends. At least I hoped that would happen--and I hoped I could learn quickly and not make too many dumb mistakes in the friend-making process.
Lane decided he would change his work-out schedule to match my established schedule. I think he was a little skeptical because he really liked the size he was at (hey--I wasn't complaining about it either) and he didn't want to lose any weight by working out one less day per week and running so much more. He agreed to try out the new schedule for a few weeks and see if it affected his body at all negatively. We could make adjustments as needed. On weekdays, I normally started my workouts at 6:30 AM and Lane normally started at 7AM. We decided to compromise and meet each other at 6:45AM each weekday morning. We both agreed that 8:30AM was a good time to meet on Saturdays. Soon enough, we had worked out all of the major details and were set for starting our first session tomorrow--and we would be running since it was a Saturday.
"Great. It looks like we are all set.", I said to Lane. I glanced at my watch. "Well, I guess I have to get going so I can get to class on time."
During the time we were discussing our work-out schedules, I had calmed back down again. I still wanted to leave but the sense of urgency was reduced.
"I need to take off too. Hey--thanks Jaden. I'm really hoping that this will work out---hey, I made a pun without even trying!!" Lane exclaimed while giving me another one of his huge smiles.
I smiled too (his smiles were so infectious). "Wow--a pun. It doesn't take much to get you 'gym-jocks' excited, I see."
"Watch it with that talk now. I'm going to be switching to YOUR workout schedule and that is going to put us on the same level."
"The SAME level?? Let's see how "level" you are after you try running 8 miles tomorrow.", I replied.
"I'm not worried. In fact, I think I'll be able to kick your ass!!", he boasted.
"OH--REALLY?? Ten minutes ago you almost choked on your water when I told you I run about 7 or 8 miles. And, now, what? Suddenly you think you can run that far AND beat me?? Would you care to place a wager on that big shot?"
I knew I had him--there was no way he was going to back down now.
"I'll make a bet--no problemo. Loser has to cook dinner for the winner--anything the winner wants. How's that?", Lane replied.
"Fine--I'll take that bet. By the way--the menu will be lemon-chicken, broccoli, and a waldorf salad. Hope you can handle all that!", I said with an evil grin.
"Don't count your chickens before they're hatched. I'll be ready--don't you worry.", Lane retorted.
"Me--worried?? I could probably spot you a whole mile and STILL beat you by 10 minutes."
"Don't do me any favors. Listen, we'll just settle this tomorrow, OK??"
"Fine. Good Luck. I guarantee you'll need it.", I said.
"Man--you've been so nice and polite up until now. One little bet and your true colors come roaring to life!!", Lane said to me.
He was smiling as he made that last statement. I did get worried for a brief moment as I heard the words coming out of his mouth. I thought that maybe I was pushing it too far with all of the bantering and he was actually getting mad. His smile put me at ease.
Hey---I was BANTERING. I can't believe it---have I ever bantered before?? I couldn't remember if I had--even with my own parents, the people I was the most comfortable with. Lane is bringing out sides to me that I didn't even know I had---and you know what?? It felt GREAT!! And another thing--no black cloud of doom!!!
"Alright, I really have to get going now. C'mon George, let's go.", George walked over to me and I attached his leash. He had been sitting at Lane's feet the entire time we were talking. What is going on with my dog?? I retrieved George's drinking bowl and put it away. I turned and faced Lane.
"So--I guess I'll see you tomorrow?? 8:30AM over at the track??"
"Sounds like a plan." Lane bent down and petted George. "Bye buddy. I'll see you later." Lane stood back up. "OK, dude, I'll see you tomorrow."
Lane pushed his fist out toward me. It took me a couple of seconds to realize that he wanted to bump fists with me--to say goodbye. I had never done that before with anyone. I was filled with hope because I thought that guys tended to do that with someone they considered a friend. A handshake was more for meeting or saying goodbye to someone that you really didn't know. The fist bump--that meant something. Maybe Lane didn't realize the importance of that small gesture but it was speaking VOLUMES to me.
"Take care.", I said as I started to walk away. This time, George was trotting faithfully by my side.
We arrived home pretty quickly. As we neared the stairs that led down to my apartment, I stopped and squatted down to look at George.
"George, I can't believe you pulled a stunt like that--not leaving and waiting for Lane to come back. You are SOOOOO lucky that it ended up turning out so well. Next time, though, if I say to leave, we are LEAVING. You got that??"
George looked at me for a few seconds and then leaned in and licked my face. After what he did today, combined with all of the other ways he proved over and over that he was a very smart dog, I knew that he understood what I said. Satisfied, we walked down the stairs and entered our apartment. I had a class to get to!!!!
TO BE CONTINUED
Be on the lookout for chapter 8--I'm writing as fast as I can.
FEEDBACK, FEEDBACK, FEEDBACK---this is lifeblood for us writers, so please drop me a quick line.
Remember, I have a new e-mail address. Use: jaden.scott@adelphia.net Thanks, Jaden.