Copyright and Disclaimer: 1. This is a fictional story with fictional characters. 2. No one is to steal this story under any circumstances. 3. This story deals with relationships and not sex, so if you're looking for a story with a lot of sex in it, this isn't the story for you.
Hope you all are still enjoying! Thanks again for reading.
Part 21 "To Sign or Not to Sign"
The alarm clock went off at 7 AM in Tyler and Jake's room. The two of them slowly woke up, Jake was laying in Tyler's arms. Tyler moved his free hand and turned the alarm off and began to rub his eyes.
"Well, I better get up," Tyler sighed. "Have to get to the restaurant early today."
"All right," Jake grumbled.
Tyler sat up on the edge of the bed as he stretched his arms out a little and woke up some more.
"You okay?" Jake asked.
"Yea, I'm fine," Tyler replied. "Just a little tired still."
"I mean, are you okay about last night?" Jake asked. "Are you still mad at all?"
"I'm fine," Tyler said getting up and heading to the bathroom. "I'm going to take a shower."
"Want some company?" Jake asked with a smile.
"Not today Jake," Tyler answered. "I can't waist any time this morning, I have to just get ready and go."
Tyler then went and closed the door to the bathroom, leaving Jake sitting in bed disappointed that Tyler didn't want to shower together. On one hand he knows that Tyler needs to get to the restaurant early, but Jake knows in his heart that the real reason is that Tyler's still upset about last night. Jake sighed to himself and then got up to wash his face.
Over at Randal and Stanley's apartment Randal reached out his arm in bed to try and hold Stanley, only to find that Stanley wasn't in bed with him. Randal opened his eyes and looked around and saw Stanley sitting in a chair on the balcony, looking out at the ocean. Randal got up and wrapped a blanket around himself and headed out to check on Stan.
"You okay babe?" Randal asked sliding the glass door to the balcony open. "Why are you up so early?"
"I couldn't sleep," Stanley replied.
Randal came closer, leaned down and gave Stanley a kiss. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"It's just the same stuff I've been thinking about since I found out I had a son," Stanley answered.
"Have you thought about what you're going to do?" Randal asked.
"No," Stanley replied shaking his head. "Selfishly, I want him in my life and for him and I to have a relationship together."
"That's not selfish," Randal comforted.
"Yea, it is," Stanley said. "Because, he's lived his whole life not knowing who I am, and he's been raised by Nicole and her boyfriend. That's the family my son knows, that's his true family to him. I'm going to turn his world upside down if I decide to bring him into my life."
"But you never had the option to be a father to him," Randal pointed out. "Him not being in your life wasn't your choosing, so why should you be denied the chance to have him now?"
"I don't know," Stanley said. "I'm just so confused. And I'm scared."
"What are you scared of?" Randal asked sitting down next to him.
"I'm scared that whatever choice I make, I'm going to regret," Stanley confessed. "If I decide to keep him in my life, what if he grows up and gets hurt and ridiculed for having a gay dad? I'll regret putting him through that. But if I sign those papers, I'll regret that I won't get to see him grow up. I can't make this decision, I'm just not that strong."
"What are you talking about?" Randal asked. "You are the strongest person I know."
"No, I'm not," Stanley replied. "I always need guidance and reassurance. I can't be counted on to make big decisions. I mean, remember when I hired a guy to get in a fight with me to impress you? That was all just me needed reassurance that I wouldn't lose you. I'm not strong like that."
"Then this is your chance to prove to yourself how strong you can be," Randal said. "There is no right or wrong choice here. It's all a matter of what you feel you have to do."
"How am I supposed to decide?" Stanley asked. "See, Randal, I can't do this. No matter what, I always end up questioning myself. I need you to help me."
"I can't," Randal replied. "This is something you have to do on your own."
"But I need you," Stanley pleaded. "I can't do this with out you. Randal, how am I supposed to do this? In everything I've done, I've always needed you to help me through it."
"I'll be there for you," Randal said. "But I can't make this decision for you. This has to be your choice. You can talk to me or any of us, and you can get our advice or our input, but in the end this is something you have to decide."
"I just don't know how I'm going to be able to do this," Stanley sighed.
"Well, you're meeting Kyle today right?" Randal asked.
"Yea," Stanley answered.
"Kyle can give you a good insight," Randal said. "He's not going to tell you what to do, but he will tell you what it's like giving up seeing someone. He's had to do it twice, once with his brother and the other with David."
"With David?" Stanley asked.
"Yea," Randal replied. "Kyle will tell you about it."
"All right," Stanley nodded.
"Okay, well you don't have work today. So come back inside and try and get some rest until then," Randal suggested. "You're going to go crazy if you keep thinking about it, just rest and wait until you talk to Kyle okay?"
Stanley nodded, "You're right. Okay."
The two of them then went back inside and went back to bed together.
"Just know," Randal began as he held Stanley in bed. "No matter what decision you make, I'm going to support you 100 percent."
"Thank you," Stanley whispered giving Randal a kiss.
At David and Kyle's apartment the alarm went off at 7:30 AM. David reached over to turn it off. He slowly got out of bed so he wouldn't wake up Kyle. As he was about to get up though, Kyle reached over and put his arms around him.
"Don't leave," Kyle moaned.
"I have to get ready for work babe," David said leaning down and giving Kyle a kiss.
"Just a few more minutes," Kyle said.
"Sorry Kyle, I can't," David said. "I have to do inventory today."
"Okay," Kyle resigned. "I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too," David said. "Have fun with Stanley today."
"All right," Kyle replied. "I'll see you tonight."
"Love you," David said giving Kyle a kiss.
"Love you too," Kyle replied falling back asleep.
Later that day Kyle woke up and took a look at the clock. 10:45 AM. He got up and went to the kitchen to get some cereal. As he was eating he picked up the phone and called Stanley.
"Hello?" Stanley asked picking up the phone and sitting up in bed.
"Hey, it's me," Kyle replied.
"Hey Kyle," Stanley answered.
"So, what time do you want to meet at?" Kyle asked.
"Noon all right?" Stanley asked.
"Sounds good to me," Kyle replied. "Want to meet at the diner?"
"Yea," Stanley replied. "Thanks again for meeting me today."
"Anytime Stan," Kyle said. "Can I ask what it is you want to talk to me about?"
"It's a long story," Stanley said. "I'll tell you when I see you."
"All right," Kyle said. "Talk to you later."
Over at the restaurant Jake showed up for his shift and ran into Kim as she was headed out.
"You leaving?" Jake asked.
"Yea, my shift is done," Kim replied.
"Okay, well I'll see you later," Jake said.
"Just to let you know," Kim said. "Tyler is in a real bad mood today."
"Really?" Jake asked concerned.
"Yea, I don't know what his problem is," Kim replied. "It's weird he wasn't always this mean."
"What do you mean?" Jake asked.
"He used to be really nice," Kim replied. "Really laid back and cool. But then about five months ago he just got all weird."
Jake thought back to five months ago. The same time he told Tyler about Miles and all the drama that happened there.
"Oh," Jake said, realizing that he got like that due to all hardships the two of them went through.
"But anyway, good luck and I'll see you later," Kim said as she headed out.
"Bye," Jake said as he searched around for Tyler and saw him with a waiter.
"You are not serving our guest properly," he heard Tyler lecture. "You are never to let their water glasses go empty. Are we understood?"
"Yes," the waiter replied a little nervous.
"Good, now go," Tyler said sending the waiter off. Tyler then turned around and spotted Jake. "Hey."
"Hi," Jake replied. "Everything all right?"
"Just great," Tyler answered. "Excuse me."
Tyler then walked off and went to his office leaving Jake wondering how he can get the Tyler he loved back.
Later that day Kyle and Stanley both arrived to the diner around the same time and sat down.
"So what's up?" Kyle asked after they ordered some food.
"I don't really know how to start this, so I'm just going to say it," Stanley began, "I have a son."
Kyle's jaw dropped, "What?"
"I just found out yesterday," Stanley answered. "A former girlfriend of mine, she apparently got pregnant when her and I had sex. And she never told me."
"Oh my God," Kyle said in shock still. "So, you're a dad?"
"Well, I might not be for longer," Stanley answered.
"Why? Is your son sick?" Kyle asked concerned.
"No, but the mother, Nicole, wants me to sign some papers that essentially have me give up all rights to him," Stanley replied. "Randal thought I should talk to you, he said you know a couple things about having to give up people from your life."
"I see," Kyle nodded understanding.
"But of course, if it's too hard to talk about it I understand," Stanley said.
"Oh no, it's fine," Kyle replied.
"Randal told me you had to give up David?" Stanley asked.
"Yea, well David and I have a real complicated history," Kyle answered. "I found out he liked me in a time where I didn't want a relationship. To make it easier on him, he told me he didn't want to see me for a while. So we stopped seeing each other for a bit and it was hard, I hated it. But to see where it got him and I to now, I don't regret any of it. But that's a lot different from what you're going through with your son."
"I know, but you still had to give him up," Stanley said. "I mean, what feelings did you have?"
"It was hard, every day it felt like I was drowning," Kyle said honestly. "I can't tell you how hard it is to give up someone you love."
"Can I ask about your brother?" Stanley asked.
Kyle took a deep breath thinking about his brother. "That's with out a doubt the hardest thing I ever had to do."
"I think that may be more of what I'm going through," Stanley said.
"Stanley, if I were you I would hold on to him," Kyle said. "Don't let go. I regret every day that I can't go and see Ricky."
"You can," Stanley encouraged. "You didn't sign anything."
"For you, that piece of paper signifies you can never see your son again, but for me, the fall out with my parents is what keeps me from seeing him again," Kyle said.
"Why don't you try and make up with your dad?" Stanley asked.
"I've tried," Kyle replied, "I was never really close with my dad. When my mom was alive there might have been a chance of a reconciliation, but since she's gone, it'll never happen."
"I'm sorry," Stanley said feeling bad.
"It's fine," Kyle brushed it off. "Besides, we're here to help you out, not me. What is it you really want?"
"I don't know," Stanley replied honestly. "I just don't know, there's no clear answer here for me."
"Try looking at the pros and cons of each situation," Kyle suggested. "In the end, which one has the least amount of cons?"
"Well, one way all the cons will effect me, but the other way all the cons effect, my son, Nicole, her boyfriend and me," Stanley explained. "Do I do what's right for everyone else, or what I want?"
"I want to show you something," Kyle said. "What time is it?"
"12:30," Stanley replied. "What do you want to show me?"
"You'll see," Kyle said.
Back over at the restaurant Tyler was in his office working on some papers when Jake came in.
"May I come in?" Jake asked at the door.
"Of course," Tyler replied.
Jake came in, shut the door behind him and slowly walked up to Tyler's desk.
"What's up?" Tyler asked.
"I just wanted to come in here and see how you are," Jake replied.
"I'm fine," Tyler answered.
"It's just that you still seemed pissed this morning about last night," Jake said.
"I don't really want to talk about Miles," Tyler said.
"I know," Jake replied. "It's just that, I understand if you're still mad. Not just about last night, but about everything that happened."
"Well, thanks for the permission," Tyler answered a little bitterly.
Jake sighed and then headed to the door, before he opened it he turned back to Tyler.
"I'm trying my best to make things right again," Jake said emotionally.
"I know," Tyler replied.
Jake then slowly left the room leaving Tyler to ponder the future of their relationship.
After Kyle and Stanley ate the two of them drove to a small little park. Kyle parked in the parking lot and looked over at the playground area.
"Okay," Kyle said. "See those two there?"
Kyle pointed to a man and a small little boy, who just is barely able to walk.
"Yea," Stanley replied.
"That's my brother and my dad," Kyle said.
"Really?" Stanley asked amazed.
"Yea," Kyle answered. "Every Thursday at 1:30 my dad takes him here."
"How did you find that out?" Stanley asked.
"My sister, Phoebe, told me," Kyle replied.
"Do you come here a lot?" Stanley asked.
"Every Thursday," Kyle answered. "I come here because this is the closest I'll ever get to being with my brother. I just sit here and watch them. The one thing that scares me more than anything though, is the thought that one day I'll come here and they won't show up. When that day comes I know that I'll never see him again."
The two of them looked at Kyle's dad and brother silently a little longer.
"Stan," Kyle began, "All of us will support you in whatever you decide, but if you want my opinion, hold on to him. Don't let go of your son, because once you sign that paper then that's it."
Stan looked out at Kyle's dad and brother thinking carefully over the advice Kyle had to offer.
Meanwhile, Marcus was at work getting ready to head to court when Trevor stopped by.
"Hey," Trevor said knocking on the open door of Marcus' office.
"Hey you," Marcus said. "Come on in."
"Did I catch you at a bad time?" Trevor asked.
"No, I was just collecting some stuff here and then I'm headed to court," Marcus replied.
"Wow, I still can't believe I'm dating a lawyer," Trevor said with a smile. "Feels so grown up of me."
"Well, I can't believe I'm dating a former model," Marcus replied with a wink.
Trevor went up to Marcus and gave him a kiss.
"Will you be at court long today?" Trevor asked.
"Depends on how the testimonies go today," Marcus replied. "Should be out of there at around five."
"You want to do something tonight?" Trevor asked.
"Yea, how about you come over," Marcus suggested. "We'll rent a movie, order some pizza, sound good?"
"Sounds perfect," Trevor replied with a smile.
"All right, want to walk me out?" Marcus asked.
"Sure," Trevor answered as the two headed out of the office. "So do you think things will ever be civil with your friends and my friends?"
"I don't know," Marcus sighed. "I hope so. I don't want us to be one of those couples who can't be together and be with their friends at the same time, you know? I want us to be able to go out and be with our friends and each other and for us all to just have a good time."
"But how can we get that considering the history that Jake and Miles have with each other?" Trevor asked. "It isn't just a easy fix up."
"I know, but we'll think of something," Marcus replied.
"I hope so," Trevor said as they headed out to the streets.
"All right babe, well I have to go up this street," Trevor said.
"Okay, and I'm going the opposite way," Marcus replied. "So, I'll see you later tonight okay?"
"Sounds good," Trevor answered giving Marcus a hug. "Love you."
The two of them then froze as those words left Trevor's mouth.
"What?" Marcus asked.
"Um..." Trevor replied. "Nothing. I should get going."
"Yea, me too," Marcus said. "I'll see you tonight."
"Okay, bye," Trevor said turning quickly and walked away. Marcus turned the other way and walked away with a shocked expression. Did Trevor already love him? Did he love Trevor?
"Wow," Marcus said to himself in disbelief.
"Oh crap," Trevor said walking the other way.
At David's store he was putting some cd's away when Kyle came in.
"Hey you," David said giving Kyle a hug. "How'd it go with Stan?"
"It went well I think," Kyle replied.
"What did he want to talk to you about?" David asked.
"He has a son," Kyle answered.
"A son?" David asked shocked.
"Yea, and the mom wants him to sign some papers for him to give up his rights," Kyle replied. "So he wanted to talk to me about what it felt like giving you up that one time and agreeing to not see Ricky."
"I see," David said. "So Stan might have to go through what you went through?"
"If he signs the papers," Kyle replied.
"Do you think he will?" David asked.
"I hope not," Kyle answered truthfully. "But whatever he decides I told him we'll support."
"Good," David said. "Can I ask you something?"
"Of course," Kyle replied.
"Do you every have any anger towards me still over some of the stuff that happened between us?" David asked referring to when he had Kyle not hang out with him for a while.
Kyle had the decision of either lying or telling the truth. "No, I don't have anger towards you at all." He decided to lie.
"Great, I just wanted to make sure there were no ill feelings at all," David said giving Kyle a hug.
"Nope, no ill feelings," Kyle continued to lie as he returned David's hug and thought about everything that had happened then.
Stanley got home and went to the living room to sit down on the couch. As he sat down to think things over Randal came out of the bedroom.
"Hey, I thought I heard you come home," Randal said sitting down next to Stanley. "How'd it go with Kyle?"
"It was good," Stanley replied. "I'm still confused, but he helped give me a different perspective on the situation."
"Can I be honest?" Randal asked.
"Yes, of course," Stanley replied.
"I think you have made your decision, you're just afraid to say it out loud," Randal said.
"Why would I be afraid to say it out loud?" Stanley asked, even though he knew.
"Because you're afraid that once you say it you'll feel like a bad person," Randal replied.
Stanley took a deep sigh, "I know, and I know that the decision I made is the right one. I just hate that I feel like such a bad person for it."
"You're not," Randal said giving Stanley a hug. "You're doing the decision you know in your heart is best."
"You're right," Stanley said nodding trying to get some confidence behind his decision.
"So what was the choice you made?" Randal asked.
That night Tyler and Jake got home from work and got ready for bed. Jake went to take a shower while Tyler put on a t-shirt and sweats and headed to the living room and watched tv. After Jake got out of the shower he put on some comfortable clothes and sat down next to Tyler.
"Are we happy?" Jake asked.
"What do you mean?" Tyler asked.
"I don't know, it just seems that there's still this wall between us," Jake replied. "I know I did a bad thing and I don't expect things to be perfect again between us, but is there anyway we can fix this?"
"I don't know," Tyler replied honestly. "I mean, I really thought this whole thing could work out, but then last night happened and all these bad feelings came rushing back."
"But even before yesterday, you were still holding back a lot," Jake said. "I found out at work that you changed a lot since I cheated on you. They say you're a lot crueler now than you used to be, and I think it's because of me."
"Why do you say that?" Tyler asked.
"Because, you repress your true emotions when you're around me," Jake said. "You want thinks to be perfect again, but you take that anger you have towards me out on other people."
"Isn't it better that I take it out on them and not on you?" Tyler retorted.
"No, because I deserve it, I deserve to be yelled at and angered towards," Jake said. "I mean, I want things to be good again between us too but it never will be if you suppress how you really feel towards me."
"Fine, you want the whole truth?" Tyler asked.
"Yes," Jake replied with out hesitation.
"I'm pissed at you still," Tyler replied. "I love you and I want you, but I'm pissed at you. I try and try to believe that everything is good again, but I know it's not. I don't know if it will ever be good again.
I honestly don't even know if us getting back together was the right decision to make."
"So do you not want to be with me?" Jake asked.
"I do want to be with you," Tyler replied calming down, "I want you, I want things to be good again between us. I don't know if it's the right decision or not, but it's what I want. I want you."
"So where do we go from here?" Jake asked.
"I don't know," Tyler replied.
"Maybe we should consider seeing a couple's therapist," Jake suggested.
Tyler slightly nodded, "Maybe you're right."
When Marcus got home from work he took a shower and put on some jeans and t-shirt and cleaned up a little as he waited for Trevor to come over. He was still shocked by Trevor saying 'I love you.' Did Marcus love Trevor too? Did Trevor really mean it? Marcus was worried that it all might be too soon for such a strong word, but at the same time can't help but think that he might love Trevor also. He toyed with the thought for a few more minutes before he heard the doorbell.
"Hey," Marcus said opening the door to Trevor.
"Hi," Trevor replied a little nervously.
"Come on in," Marcus said.
Trevor walked in and the two gave an awkward hug.
"How are you?" Marcus asked.
"Good," Trevor replied. "How was court?"
"It went well," Marcus answered. "Want to sit down?"
"Yea," Trevor replied as the two walked over and sat on the couch sitting a comfortable distance from each other.
Marcus turned on the tv and the two sat there silently for a few minutes watching the screen blankly. Finally Marcus broke the ice.
"All right," Marcus began, "So, we should talk about what happened today."
"You're right," Trevor nodded. "I agree."
"So, it's just something that slipped out right?" Marcus asked.
"Yea, totally," Trevor replied.
"You want to just forget you said it?" Marcus asked.
"Do you?" Trevor asked.
"I don't know, do you?" Marcus replied.
"I guess?" Trevor asked not sure what answer Marcus wanted.
"Okay, then we'll just pretend you didn't say it," Marcus replied.
"Great," Trevor answered. The two then sat closer together and cuddled. As they sat there watching the television they both were disappointed that the other didn't want the 'I love you' to be true.
Over at Randal and Stanley's apartment, Stanley called up Nicole and had her come over. When she arrived she brought Doug with her.
"Hey Nicole," Randal said giving her a hug. He then looked down at Doug. "Hey bud, how are ya?"
"Fine," Doug replied shyly as he grabbed on to his mom's leg. "Who are you?"
"I'm-" Stanley began but stopped to let out a sigh, "I'm Stan, I'm a friend of your mom's."
"You two are friends?" Doug asked.
"Yea, him and I have been friends for a long time," Nicole replied giving Stanley a grateful smile.
"Hi," Randal said walking up to them. "I'm Randal."
"I'm Nicole and this is my son Doug," Nicole replied.
"Hey there Doug," Randal said kneeling down to be eye level with him. As he looked at Doug he saw that he had Stanley's eyes and smile. Randal couldn't help but be saddened by what Stanley was going to do.
"Come in you guys," Stanley said leading them into the living room. "You want to watch some cartoons Doug?"
"Yea," Doug replied. Stanley lifted Doug up and sat him down on the couch and turned the tv to a cartoon station for him. "So do you go to school?"
"Yes," Doug answered.
"Wow, what's your favorite part of school?" Stanley asked.
"Recess," Doug replied.
"Hey, that was my favorite too!" Stanley said with fatherly enthusiasm. "Well, I'm just going to talk to your mom for a bit okay?"
"Okay," Doug answered.
"Randal will hang out with you for a bit," Stanley said.
"Yea, bud, you know, I have video games!" Randal said.
"You do?!" Doug said excitedly.
"Yea, want to play?" Randal asked.
"Yes, Yes!" Doug said cheerfully.
Stanley smiled at his son and then went to talk to Nicole at the dining room table. "Okay, so do you have the papers?"
"Yea, they're right here," Nicole replied handing Stanley a folder.
"Can I ask a favor?" Stanley asked.
"Of course," Nicole replied.
"Do you think you can send me a picture of him every so often?" Stanley asked.
"You've got it," Nicole replied holding back tears. "I really wish things worked out differently."
"I know, me too," Stanley said. "But what's important now is Doug."
"I'm so sorry," Nicole said.
"I know you are," Stanley replied, "It's okay."
"You have no idea how much this means to me," Nicole said.
"Just take good care of him," Stanley said. "If he does ever ask about his real father, just tell him that his dad loves him a lot and always will."
"Okay," Nicole nodded.
Stanley then began signing the papers. Over in the living room Randal and Doug were playing video games.
"You're good," Randal said.
"This is my favorite game," Doug replied.
"Hey Doug, want to do something for me?" Randal asked.
"Okay," Doug replied.
"Well, Stanley's been having a bad past couple of days, so when you and your mommy leave, will you give him a hug? It would make him feel so much better," Randal said.
"Okay," Doug answered and then went back to concentrating on his video game.
A few minutes later Nicole and Stanley came out into the living room.
"All right bud, we have to get going," Nicole said.
Doug got up and they headed towards the door.
"Thank you again," Nicole said giving Stanley a hug. "Take care."
"You too," Stanley replied.
"Bye," Randal said shaking Nicole's hand. "Drive safe.
Bye Doug."
"Bye Randal," Doug said. Doug then turned to Stanley and grabbed Stanley's hand and pulled down so Stanley would kneel by him. Doug then wrapped his arms around Stanley's neck. At first Stanley was taken by surprise but then melted into the hug and held on tightly. Randal went to the cabinet by the door and pulled out the camera and took a picture of the two.
"Bye buddy," Stanley whispered to Doug.
"Bye," Doug said and then went to his mom and they left.
Stanley then turned to Randal. "You told Doug to do that huh?"
"What do you mean?" Randal asked acting innocent.
"Thank you," Stanley said giving Randal a kiss and held onto him tightly.
"I know that was a hard thing to do," Randal said.
"The hardest thing I've ever done," Stanley sighed.
The two stood there holding one another, Randal giving Stanley the support and love to comfort him.
To Be Continued...
With any comments, questions or feedback please e-mail me at ilj4ever44@yahoo.com. Thanks again for reading!