That's Life
Author's Note:
This is my first attempt at writing this type of story. I bet you have heard this line many times. Well, that's life. I just wanted to give you a little on my style of writing this story. It will be third person omniscient. All sentences that are in parenthesis will only be see in conversation and that is only to point out the thoughts the character has that moment. Any sentences in brackets will only be seen in conversation. It will explain the actions that the narrator sees. That's about it. Have fun reading and email me at d_man116@hotmail.com if you like or don't.
Sorry about the long wait. I know I promised I would have chapter 4 out quickly; I guess I forgot. No more excuses here it is.
Previously:
The guys arrived to the mall. They all decided to go in groups of two, so they wouldn't cause a big commotion. The guys immediately picked their partners. Chris went with Justin. Chris knew he had to control the boy's spending. Kyle and Josh decided to get together despite the fact that Darryl was visiting. Tyler found that odd that Kyle chose Josh over Darryl. Tyler decided to go with Darryl because he thought he would be able to give him some company. That left Lance and Joey together. They all entered the mall to get some shopping done, right?
Chapter 4: The Mall
The guys entered the mall to look for some shops that would provide hours of entertainment. Before they split up, Kyle told Darryl to trust himself. Go with what was right. Being only 20, Darryl was confused but said ok just to get Kyle off his back.
"Justin, wait up."
"C'mon old man. I need some shoes and clothes."
"What! You have enough shoes and clothes to dress a third country."
"My ass. I need to look good. You don't want the heart throb of the group to look bad."
"You better cut that crap out before I have to deflate that ego of yours."
"Whatever. Hurry up. I don't have all day."
"I'm coming."
Meanwhile, Darryl and TJ sat the bench. They didn't feel like spending money. Actually, they were poor and college students. Got to pay tuition and everything
"Do you want to do something? I can't really tell Kyle that I didn't do anything. He's already worried about me enough."
"Alright. You want to grab lunch. My treat."
"You don't have to pay. I have enough to grab a burger or something."
"Don't worry about it. I have Josh's ATM card."
"If you put it that way, let's jet."
"Aiite."
Lance and Joey decided to hit a movie while the other guys went shopping. Joey was too much into the worry that he wasn't really paying attention to Lance or the fact that Lance wasn't even watching the movie.
Lance had so many thoughts going on at once. He had so many qualities that were the same as Josh. He wanted to help Darryl out. He was a boy with many problems. He feared the worst for Darryl. Kyle had told him everything about Darryl. Lance and Kyle had become close friends. He was glad Josh met Kyle. They were perfect for each other. He also feared what Justin would do to Darryl. Justin was already against him, and Justin liked everyone. Then there was the idea that he was 23 and still didn't have any love interest. His last true girlfriend was Danielle and their relationship ended two years ago. He had dated this one girl after Danielle, but he had to let her go. What was going on in his love life? If he didn't know better, he would think that he was gay, but the truth is he really wasn't. He was just lonely, and needed to find the one in his life. He wished he were just like Justin. Justin was the biggest player that he had ever seen. He didn't really care much about the girls he went out with. He was in it for a good lay and afterwards left them high and dry. He couldn't see how that was possible to mess with the motions of other people. That was barbaric, but Justin was his friend, so he had to let it go.
Back how to the original problem. How could he help Darryl?
On the other side of the mall, Josh and Kyle were doing some shopping.
"That shirt looks really good on you, babe."
"Does it really. I don't know Kyle. Purple really isn't my color."
"But it makes you so fruity."
"Funny. Really funny. Can I ask you a question?"
"I know we are going out in all, but why didn't you want to hang out with Darryl today. I think that kind of put Tyler on the spot to hang out with him."
"That's what I wanted to happen. You think I would be cruel and ignore Darryl."
"I don't know."
"Some boyfriend you are."
"I'm not in it for being kind. In your own words, I'm only in it for the money."
"I'm laughing my britches off. Anyways back to what was on topic, Darryl needs to make more friends. He can't just rely on me while he is here. I still have to work and all."
"That's where I come in, right?"
"Not really. It seems Darryl doesn't really like you very much."
"I think I can change that. How can anyone not like this face?"
"Me. Remember I'm in it for the money."
"Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Let's get out of here. I don't really like the clothes here. There is probably another store that has what I need."
"Not just yet. You are going to buy that shirt."
"I don't think so." [Give JC a puppy look.]
"Not even for me."
"Grrrrr… Just this once. Let's pay for this and leave."
"I knew it."
"What?"
"You're not in it for the money."
"Whatever."
Back to Darryl and Tyler. They decided to grab some burgers and shakes, but first they needed to "borrow" money from Josh's account. As they were waiting in line, Tyler thought it would be a good time to get to know Darryl a little better.
"So do you have a girlfriend back at home?"
"Yeah. Her name is Deanna. I might marry her one of these days. There's just something about her that completes me. She makes me happy."
"I wish I had someone like that."
"You will find somebody out there for you. Everyone has a partner that will make them whole. Change their life for the best."
"If only it was that easy."
"What did you say?"
"Nothing. It looks like it is our turn at the ATM Machine. How much should I take out?"
"How about a hundred dollars. I'm sure he won't notice. We would also have some extra cash to do some shopping."
"Sure why not. Josh won't really care. I mean he is trying to get on your good side."
"What was that?"
"Nothing. Let's go grab those burgers."
"C'mon Justin. Don't you think you have enough stuff?"
"Define enough."
"I think ten bags of clothes and shoes is a good definition for enough."
"I think ten more would be a better definition."
"Fine. Can't we at least grab something to eat? I'm really hungry."
"A little break won't hurt. As I think about it, I'm hungry too. Let's grab a burger."
"Anything will be fine as long as I eat."
The movie was half way done, and Lance was bored out of his mind. How could he let Joey talk him into this movie? It was pointless. There was nothing interesting. Lance had given up with his problems. He couldn't figure out a solution. He looked over at Joey to see how he could enjoy the movie. Not to his surprise Joey was sleeping. No wonder he didn't say anything about the movie. He picks it and now he is sleeping. Somebody would be surprised, but not Lance. You learn a lot about a person after living with them for more than 3 years.
"Kyle, are you done yet? I want to know what you look like in those clothes."
"I can't come out. I look like a dork."
"Just give me a peek. You will always look hot to me."
"HA! I knew it. Again, I prove you aren't in it for the money. You're after my looks."
"Whatever. I just have to flatter you to get my way. C'mon. For me."
"No way. I look ridiculous in these clothes. I can't believe you got me to try on these clothes."
"Well, I'm pretty smooth to get my own way."
"Don't flatter yourself."
"Just speaking the truth. Nothing wrong with that."
"Whatever. How do I look?"
"You know you always look great, but I don't know about this time."
"Why not?"
"I don't know. Could it be that you are wearing the same thing you were wearing this morning."
"I know. I told you I didn't like that stuff. Anyways, you told me I looked hot this morning."
"You win this time."
"You better know it."
"I seem to be losing a lot."
"What was that?"
"Nothing. Let's go if you aren't going to buy the stuff."
Darryl and Tyler were in the food court eating their burgers. Now was the perfect time to get to know a little more about Darryl. But before he could speak, Darryl beat him to the punch.
"I just have one question if you don't mind."
"Sure. Ask whatever you want."
"Do you like to be called TJ? I know it is a ridiculous question, but I don't really like nicknames."
"To tell you the truth, I like to be called Tyler instead. TJ became my nickname when I was young, like Josh. He was stuck with JC like I was stuck with TJ."
"Oh. If you don't mind, I'll call you Tyler instead since you like that name better."
"Aiite. I guess it is my turn."
"Go ahead."
"What is your life like back at home?"
The question had hit Darryl as hard as a ton of bricks. He didn't really suspect that he would ask him that much. He could lie to Tyler, but that would be wrong. He wanted to be Tyler's friend. That was all he needed right now because Kyle was gone with Josh. That Josh. How could he be related to Tyler? They were nothing alike except for all the attractive characteristics. Maybe he didn't want to know about my past. Maybe just what is going on. I can tell him that much.
"Well. As you know, I have a girlfriend back at home. We've been together for about 4 years. I guess you could say we were high school sweet hearts. I am currently attending college. I am studying medicine at this time. I hope to become a doctor maybe a family practician, but not a surgeon. I don't want malpractice to be ringing in my ear everyday."
"That sounds cool. I'm in college right now too."
"Not really sure right now. I'm still messing around. Haven't really picked a major, but I got to choose one soon. I was hoping that I could get inspired this summer. Maybe something out there is my calling. What is your family like?"
The dreaded question ever. He didn't want to talk about them. He tried to bury all memories of his family, but they always came back when that question always appeared. That could explain another lifestyle of Darryl. Even though he had a girlfriend, he was a recluse. He had a few friends, but those friends were people that actually knew about his past when it was occurring. He never really let anybody inside."
"Well…"
Tyler could see Darryl stuttering in his words. The tone of his words weren't cold, but gloomy like he was afraid to tell him about his family. How could he be so stupid to bring up a sore spot? Why didn't Josh warn him? He had to put a stop to this really quick.
"You don't have to say anything. I understand."
"Thanks." [The tone in his voice was again in high spirits.] (Wait a minute, Kyle told me I had to start trusting people again. Did he plan all this to hang out with Tyler? That rascal, but you gotta love him.) "No I want to tell you." [This time his voice was determined to speak the truth.)
As he was about to open his mouth again to talk about his family, Justin and Chris approached the table.
The movie finally ended. Lance was about to jump for joy, but he didn't want to reveal his identity. He smacked Joey to wake up, but he wouldn't. Oh well.
He would let Joey sleep some more. He was pretty sure he could wake up on his own. If not, some girl would surly wake him up when the next showing of the movie started.
Lance checked his watch for the time. He still had another hour before they were suppose to meet. He had enough time to take care of a few things.
Josh and Kyle walked around the mall looking at different stores. Josh had decided to buy Darryl a birthday present to make up for all the things that he might have done to him in the past. Kyle was happy to see how much Josh wanted to be Darryl's friend. One of the many reasons he loved Josh. His persistence to become friends with anybody.
"What should I get him?"
"Whatever. He will like anything as long as your gift is sincere."
"In other words, I can take a piece of paper and sign it, and that would work."
"Yeppers."
"You know that word does not make any sense what so ever."
"It's not my fault. If anybody is to blame, it's Darryl. He's the one that started the whole thing."
"Whatever."
"Back to the task back at hand, I need to get something for Darryl."
"Let's keep going, then."
"First, I need to get some money from the ATM."
"Aiite."
"Another one of those words."
"Darryl's fault."
"Sure. I can't find my card."
"Oh great. Do you know where you had it last?"
"I was at the mall the other day with TJ, and gave him the card to grab some money. He still has that card."
"There goes your bank account."
"Why do you say that? I trust him with my card."
"I know you trust your brother, but how much do you trust Darryl. And if I know Darryl pretty well, he doesn't take charity at the expense of stranger unless he doesn't like them. And you my friend, he doesn't really like you right now."
"Oh great."
"How much was in there?"
"I only had two thousand dollars."
"By the words of the infamous people of N Sync, Bye Bye Bye."
"Funny. That's pretty old though."
"I know. Shall I sing it now."
"Not now. I'm not really in the mood to get a headache."
"Poor baby. If anything counts, he probably only took out a hundred dollars."
"Why would you say that?"
"Darryl isn't a big spender. Remember he is in college. He has to watch how much he spends even though it isn't his money. It's become nature to him to watch what goes in and what goes out."
"I would say that is a relief to know that I have $1900 left, but we'll see. If it's any less, I am going to kill TJ."
"Why him?"
"Because he is my younger brother. I have the right to kill him. Some law of brotherhood."
"Go you. I like it when you play macho man."
"I will show you some more tonight."
"I can't wait."
"Hey guys! What's up!" Justin
"You sound pretty happy, Justin" Tyler
"Why shouldn't he be? He just bought out the whole mall." Chris
"I did not. I only have ten bags right now." Justin
"I think that classifies as the whole mall." Chris
"Whatever you say Chris. So what are you guys doing?" Justin
"Duh! Are you blind or something? They are eating." Chris
"I can see that. I'm not stupid." Justin
"Sure. Are you sure you haven't been bleaching your hair lately?" Chris
"Shut up. Let's go grab our food. We'll be back." Justin
"Ok. You sure were quiet Darryl." Tyler
"They're your friends." Darryl
"Nothing wrong with you being their friend too." Tyler
"I'll be the judge of that." Darryl
"Whatever. Anyways, what were you going to tell me about your family?" Tyler
"Can we talk about that later? I don't really want to say anything around Justin and Chris." Darryl
"Why not? They can be trusted." Tyler
"Like I said, I'll be the judge of that." Darryl
"You have a lot of insecurity issues." Tyler
"I know." Darryl
"As long as you admit it, all is well." Tyler
"We'll see." Darryl
"What do you mean by that?" Tyler
"Nothing. Look who comes with their food?" Darryl
"The ones that you can't trust." Tyler
"You know it." Darryl
"I can't believe I didn't find anything." JC
"It's ok. You can be part of the gift that I am going to give him." Kyle
"I don't want to do that."
"Then I guess you are out of luck because it is almost time to meet up with the guys."
"I said I didn't want to do it. Nothing about I can't do it."
"Alright."
"You still want to do some more shopping."
"Not really. I want to grab something to eat."
"Ok."
And off they headed to the food court.
Lance walked around the mall looking for the perfect gift. He already spent thirty minutes looking for it, but he didn't have any luck. That's when it him. Literally hit him. He ran into one of those outside carts. He looked up and there was the perfect gift inside a store next to the cart.
He went into the store and bought it immediately.
Somebody crept up to Joey as he was sleeping in the theater. The person slowly planted kisses on his lip. Joey began to moan from all the affection. Suddenly, his eyes popped open.
"What's going on? Where am I?"
From the darkness, he couldn't tell who it was. He suddenly remembered he was in the theater with Lance. That's when it hit him. Lance had been kissing him.
"What kind of joke is this, Lance? I am not that way. If you are looking for some nookie, why don't you go talk to Josh?"
"First off I am not Lance."
"Shit."
"I think I will go now, but thanks for the info about Josh."
"Shit times two. What am I going to do? (Wait a minute. Who was that person?) Stop."
It was too late. The person that he was just kissing him was gone. There was also the fact that it was a guy too. How come he felt something was going to happen? And it was going to be his fault. He had to get out of the theater now. He had to go find the guys and tell them what happened, but where would they be at this time?
Justin and Chris had returned back to the table with their meals. Justin noticed a look on Darryl's face. He had to know what was going on. He knew it was going to be bad too. He had this instinct. He could smell somebody that only wanted to use them. He was positive Darryl was one of those people, but he had to play nice guy right now. He can't let Darryl know that he is onto his game.
"So what's up guys? Oh sorry about interrupting you guys. It looked like you guys were talking about something important." Justin
"It's ok. We were just talking about nonchalant things." Tyler
"Good because I would have felt really bad." Justin
[Darryl speaks.] (How come I feel like that he is lying?) Darryl
"You know something Darryl." Justin
"What do I know?" Darryl
"Nothing." Justin
"What do you mean?" [Using an angry tone.] Darryl
"I didn't mean for it to come out that way. I was saying that we know each other pretty well, but we don't have the foggiest idea of who you are." Justin
"If you put it that way, then ask me whatever." (The kid is pretty stupid.
I'm sure his question will be simple enough to answer.) Darryl
(I better start out easy, so he doesn't catch on.) "Do you have a girlfriend back at home?" Justin
"Yeppers." Darryl
"What is she like?" Chris
"She's great. She's smart, beautiful, kind, great with kids. She is everything that you need in a lady." Darryl
Tyler could see the happiness fill in his eyes as he was talking about her.
He truly loved the gal. He wished he had somebody liked that.
"Wow, she sounds great. So what is she like in bed?" Justin
(What is he trying to do? That is a personal question, but I guess there is nothing wrong with the truth.) "She great, but I do have to confess something." Darryl
"You're a cheating bastard." Justin
(What was up with that? What a retard!) "No, you arrogant bastard. [Showing some anger.] She was my first. Actually, I've only done it once willingly.
It was an early birthday present. That is all I am going to say." Darryl
"And when is your birthday?" (Hmm… Willingly? This sounds pretty interesting.) Justin
"It was yesterday." Darryl
His answer knocked Justin back a few steps. The kid had been a virgin that long. He couldn't believe it. He had been with a lot of girls.
On the other hand, Tyler wasn't surprised like Justin, but kind of amazed. At least there was another guy that had lasted long. Too bad Darryl couldn't last longer like him, but again he was going to marry the girl one day. Wait a minute. Darryl had just said it was his birthday. He had to do something nice for the guy. That's what friends are for.
"Wow. I would have never guessed." Justin
"Why would you say that, Justin?" [Anger rushing high again.] Darryl
"I'm not sure. I thought you were something else." Justin
"Would you mind filling in that something else?" Darryl
"If you must know, I thought you were a slut. I guess I was wrong." Justin
The word 'slut' hit Darryl. God damn it. Why did he have to remember his dream now? Out of all the times he had it, he had to remember the reality of it now. He just sat there quiet.
"What no callous remark?" (Now I got him. I just have to figure out how come.) Justin
Darryl just continued sitting there quiet looking into space. He couldn't say anything. He wanted to tell Justin off, but he couldn't. This would be out of character for anybody that knew Darryl in the past. Darryl remained quiet. He had to accept the truth. He was a slut. Not any type of slut. A gay slut.
"That was pretty harsh, Justin." Chris
"I'm just testing him Chris. See if he was using us." Justin
"You sure are going the wrong way with it then." Chris
"I know. Darryl, I'm really sorry. I didn't mean it." Justin
"Just lay off of him, Justin. I think you have done enough." Tyler
"What you protecting him now TJ? You trying to be his mom." Justin
"No I'm not. I'm trying to be his friend, like I need to justify it. And if you keep pushing me like that, I'm gonna take you down." Tyler
"Like I'm scared. Bring it on. You know what you always hide behind JC. Always get him to take care of your problems. Time to see what you are made up of." Justin
"Then let's do it." Tyler
"Stop it guys. We don't want to cause a scene." Chris
"I think it is too late Chris. And if it wasn't for your buddy here, we wouldn't have a scene." Tyler
"Don't be putting any blame on me. If anything, it is your new friend." Justin
"That's enough." Tyler
Tyler raised his fist and was going to give Justin a good smack down. His fist made contact with a boy's face, but it wasn't Justin's face. It was Darryl.
He had hit Darryl. Panic struck Tyler. What had he done? Why did Darryl get in the way?
"Nice shot. You sure need to work on your aim, and they call you a hockey player." Justin
"Shut the fuck up!" Tyler
Tyler went straight to the aide of Darryl. He had to see the damage that he caused to Darryl's face. It looked like a black eye.
"You're going to live." Tyler
"No thanks to you." Darryl
"I'm sorry." Tyler
"It's ok." Darryl
"Why did you get in the way?" Tyler
"Because he was right." Darryl
"What do you mean?" Tyler
"I'll explain later." Darryl
"Fine, but I still got a piece of white trash I need to take care of." Tyler
"Chris, look. The big bad old man is going to get me." Tyler
"Justin, I think you should lay off." Chris
"Hell no. If he wants to fight, then I will give it to him, so bring it on." Justin
"My pleasure." Tyler
Tyler was going to throw a second punch when he was grabbed from behind.
"Darryl let me beat him up." Tyler
"It's not me. I'm still on the ground from you blow." Darryl
"Then whoever it is, better let go of me." Tyler
"I don't think so, little bro." JC
"Look who is saving your ass again. Josh to the rescue." Justin
"Just drop whatever it was Justin." JC
"My pleasure, Josh. And I thought you were my friend TJ. Instead you pick him. He is sure going to get you somewhere in life." Justin
"At least he is my friend." Darryl
"I'm not sure about that. I mean you did hit him." Tyler
Justin knew had to play the guilt trip. He also knew how to change the situation. He had done a little research on Darryl, and he knew how Kyle would react by his last remark.
"You did what!" Kyle
"It was an accident. I was going to hit Justin, but Darryl got in the way." Tyler
"That's enough. We need to meet Lance and Joey now. We will discuss this later, and I don't want to hear any but's out of anybody especially you Kyle." JC
"Fine we will discuss this later. All I wanted was something to eat, and instead I get this." Kyle
"I'm really sorry for doing all this. I can go back home." Tyler
"I said no more about this until we get back home. Let's go." JC
As the whole food court incident was going on, Lance had the gift wrapped and took it to the car. He didn't want any of the guys to see it. He was hungry now, but he thought he would wait. He could grab something back at the house. He suddenly remembered he left Joey in the theater. He had to go get him and wake him up unless he already had.
As Lance reentered the mall, he was run over by a man.
"Watch where you are going, jerk!"
The man didn't say anything. He just kept going.
"People these days are so freakin rude."
Lance stood back up when somebody ran into him again.
"This is not my day."
"Hey sorry about that Lance. I wasn't watching where I was going." Joey
"That's ok. Why were you running?" Lance
"That's right. I kinda let the cat out of the bag."
"Oh please tell me it doesn't have to do with Josh."
"It does."
"Oh great. Way to go Joey."
"We gotta find the other guys."
"We can't. We have no clue where the guys are. I'm sure we can wait. They will be here soon."
"Alright."
"There they are. They don't look really happy though."
"I see what you mean, but Justin does. He has that sly grin again. I bet you he got another girl, and the other guys aren't happy bout that."
As the guys approached, Lance had to ask.
"Who died?"
"Nobody, but who knows." Tyler
"Not now, TJ." Josh
"Sorry I asked." Lance
"Let's go. We have some things to discuss back at home." Josh
"Yes sir, Mr. Chasez, sir." Joey
"Funny, Joey." JC
"He won't be very funny after he hears our news." Lance
"What was that Lance." JC
"Nothing. Like you said we will discuss this later." Lance
So that will be two new whole problems for this group of people. Now the question is which one will I deal with first? Who knows maybe they will coincide. That's about it for now. Email me please with what you think about the story so far, and what you want to happen. Email Address: d_man116@hotmail.com or webpage: http://www.geocities.com/d_man116/