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 everyone enjoys and I hope everyone has a happy and safe Thanksgiving! Take Care!
Part 23
"GIVING THANKS"
Kyle and David were in the kitchen getting food prepared for dinner. All the guys were coming over to their place for Thanksgiving.
"All right I need the cheesecloth," Kyle said as he finished stuffing and tied up the turkey.
"What cheesecloth?" David asked.
"The one I had soaking in the wine and butter mixture," Kyle replied.
"Oh," David replied gravely.
"What is it?" Kyle asked.
"I think I threw it away," David replied.
"You threw it away?" Kyle asked hoping he heard David wrong.
"I didn't think it was anything important so I just dumped it out," David said.
"I need that for the turkey," Kyle replied.
"I'm sorry," David said brushing it off. "It's not that big of a deal right?"
"Kinda," Kyle answered. "Can you check to see if we have anymore dry white wine? If we do then I can just do another one since I have another cheesecloth."
"Sure," David replied as he left the kitchen to look for the wine in the dining room cabinet.
Kyle sighed in the kitchen getting a little frustrated, for the past week it seems David has been doing little things to try and upset him, but he wasn't sure if it was intentional or if he actually was trying to piss him off.
"No white wine," David said coming back into the kitchen.
"Fine, well, will you cut some onions up and put them in the roasting pan?" Kyle asked.
"Sure," David answered taking the onions out of the refrigerator.
Kyle then went into the dining room cabinet to look for the wine, and sure enough there was another bottle right in the front. Kyle rolled his eyes and went back into the kitchen.
"There was another bottle right in the front of the cabinet," Kyle said.
"Oops," David said. "My bad."
"What's your problem?" Kyle asked.
"What?" David asked. "Sorry, I didn't see the stupid wine."
Kyle sighed, "Never mind."
He then went and began making another wine and butter mixture for the cheesecloth.
"I'll be right back," Kyle said.
"I'm sure you will," David answered as Kyle walked out of the kitchen.
Kyle went into the bedroom and pulled out a magazine from his drawer, it was an apartment magazine with listings of local apartments in the area. He had a few places circled, he turned to one of the circled ads and called the number listed.
"Hello?" a female voice asked picking up the phone.
"Hi, this is Kyle Garrett is this Mrs. Colby?" Kyle replied.
"Yes it is," she answered.
"Hi, I visited a few days ago about the studio apartment you have for rent," Kyle said.
"Oh yes," she said. "How are you?"
"I'm good thanks," Kyle replied. "I was just wondering if the place was still available."
"It is," Mrs. Collins answered.
"Well I'd love to take it," Kyle said.
"Wonderful!" Mrs. Collins exclaimed. "You were such a lovely young man that I would be happy to have you at my apartment complex."
"Thank you," Kyle said.
"Why don't you come by tomorrow and we'll go over all the paper work and credit checks all right?" Mrs. Collins asked.
"Sounds good," Kyle said.
"Perfect," Mrs. Collins replied. "Well, I'll see you tomorrow dear."
"All right," Kyle said. "Happy Thanksgiving."
"Happy Thanksgiving," Mrs. Collins replied before hanging up.
Kyle sighed, he didn't want to move out, but he feels that the problems he's been having with David are a result of the two of them spending too much time together, so he hopes moving out will benefit and save their relationship.
Over at Marcus' house things were going much better for Marcus and Trevor. The two were getting dressed to go to David and Kyle's place.
"You look great," Trevor said admiring Marcus.
"You do to," Marcus replied.
"Thank you," Trevor said giving Marcus a kiss. "I'm going to go pack up the mashed potatoes so we can take off."
"All right," Marcus said. "I'll be there in a second."
Trevor went into the kitchen as Marcus finished getting dressed. After he was all dressed he was about to head out when his phone rang.
"Hello?" Marcus asked answering the phone.
"Hey Marcus, it's mom," his mom said cheerfully.
"Hi Mom," Marcus said happily. "Happy Thanksgiving."
"Happy Thanksgiving sweetie," his mom answered. "How are you?"
"I'm great," Marcus replied. "How are you?"
"I'm just fabulous," his mom replied. "I'm just about to go over to Aunt Lena's."
"Tell them all hi over there," Marcus said.
"I will," his mom answered. "So how's the new man in your life?"
"Trevor's great," Marcus replied.
"Now tell him that I expect the both of you to come over for dinner soon," his mom said.
"We will," Marcus replied.
"All right dear, well I'll let you go, but I just wanted to say hi," his mom said.
"Thank you," Marcus replied. "I love you mom."
"I love you too sweetheart," his mom said. "Bye dear."
"Bye," Marcus replied hanging up. He then went downstairs and met Trevor in the kitchen.
"Hey," Trevor said. "You ready to go?"
"Yea," Marcus replied. "I just got off the phone with my mom."
"Oh cool," Trevor said. "You two pretty close?"
"Yea, I call her once a week and give her all the info on my life she does the same," Marcus said.
"So does she know about me?" Trevor asked.
"Yes, she does," Marcus replied. "She wants us to come over and have dinner at her place soon."
"Sounds good," Trevor said.
"So what about your parents?" Marcus asked.
"What about them?" Trevor asked trying to avoid the question.
"You close with them?" Marcus asked.
"Um, no," Trevor replied.
"How come?" Marcus asked.
"They died when I was seven," Trevor answered.
"Oh, I'm so sorry," Marcus asked.
"Yea, it was a car accident," Trevor replied trying to brush it off as no big deal, hiding the real pain of it. "I was raised by my grandparents."
"Well that must have been nice," Marcus said trying to look on the bright side. "Were you close with them?"
"No," Trevor replied then he quickly changed the subject, "We should get going."
"Oh okay," Marcus said sensing that Trevor didn't want to talk about it. They got the mashed potatoes and then headed over to David and Kyle's.
Kyle walked back into the kitchen and put the soaked cheesecloth on the Turkey.
"Are you finished with the onions?" Kyle asked.
"Yea," David replied putting the last few pieces in the roast pan. Kyle lifted up the turkey and put it in the pan and then put it in the oven.
"I'm going to start on the corn bread," Kyle said.
"All right," David replied. "I'm going to watch tv."
Kyle then opened up the refrigerator to take out some eggs when he looked at the apple pie and cheesecake he made, on the apple pie he saw that a piece was missing.
"David," Kyle said. "Did you eat a piece of the pie?"
"Oh yea, sorry," David replied. "I got hungry and there was nothing else to eat."
"David that pie is for tonight," Kyle said.
"What's the big deal?" David asked. "It's just going to be eaten tonight anyway."
"David it's bad presentation," Kyle replied.
"Kyle, it's just the guys," David said. "They don't care."
"Thank God I'm moving out," Kyle quietly sighed.
"What did you say?" David asked not sure if he heard Kyle correctly.
"Nothing," Kyle replied waving it off.
"No, you said something," David insisted.
Kyle sighed, but then decided to just say it, "I'm moving out."
"What?" David asked shocked.
"Oh please," Kyle replied rolling his eyes. "Don't act like you're not relieved."
"When did you decide this?" David asked.
"Been thinking about it for a while," Kyle answered. "I'm going to get back to cooking."
Kyle went over to the kitchen counter and began to make the corn bread, but David turned Kyle around to face him.
"You can't just drop a bomb like that and expect me to just forget about it," David said.
"Why not?" Kyle asked. "Judging by how things have been between us lately I figure you'd be pleased."
"You really think that I'm glad you're moving?" David asked hurt.
"Yea," Kyle replied. "Aren't you?"
"You obviously don't know me at all," David said and then walked out of the kitchen.
Kyle buried his face in his hands in frustration. Before he could go and talk to David there was a knock on the door. Kyle went and opened the door to Randal and Stanley.
"Hey guys," Kyle said putting on a happy face.
"Hey Kyle, Happy Thanksgiving," Stanley said giving Kyle a hug.
"Happy Thanksgiving," Kyle replied, then he gave Randal a hug.
"How are things?" Randal asked.
"They're eh," Kyle replied.
"Eh?" Randal asked.
"Eh," Kyle confirmed.
"What's wrong?" Stanley asked.
"Stupid stuff with David and me," Kyle replied. "But I'll figure that out later, let's have a drink while the food cooks."
"All right," Randal replied.
"Here's the salad," Stanley said handing the bowl of salad to Kyle.
"Thanks Stan," Kyle said taking the bowl and then setting it on the table.
"Where is David?" Randal asked.
"Bedroom I think," Kyle replied.
"Why don't you go talk to him?" Stanley asked.
"Because we don't need that negative discussion now," Kyle replied. "I don't want to bring down the mood."
"Kyle, you always do this," Randal said.
"What?" Kyle asked.
"You always try and put off things until later because you don't want to deal with them now," Randal replied.
"I do not," Kyle retorted.
"Yes you do," Randal said. "Would you like an example?"
"Please," Kyle said.
"Remember last month at the diner, the day Marcus told us he had sex with Trevor, David got upset and left because you snapped at him for something he said to Tyler and Jake?" Randal asked.
"Yea," Kyle replied.
"Well, you went to go talk to him and then you came back and didn't want to talk about it but you wanted to completely change the subject," Randal said.
"I wanted to give the attention back to Marcus," Kyle said.
"Yea, but still it's what you do," Randal said. "You like to avoid issues by focusing on someone else's."
"If I do it's only because I don't want to bring the mood down," Kyle said.
"That's nice Kyle, but you don't have to be a little happy person all the time," Randal said. "Just go talk to him."
"What about you two?" Kyle asked.
"We're big boys," Randal said. "I'm sure we can find stuff to do."
"All right," Kyle resigned. "Keep an eye on the turkey for me."
"Will do," Stanley said as Kyle headed to the bedroom.
Kyle opened the door and found David putting Kyle's clothes in his suitcase.
"What are you doing?" Kyle asked.
"I figured if you're moving then I better help you pack up," David replied cooly.
"Oh my God," Kyle said getting pissed. "Why are you being such a dick about this?"
"Why are you leaving me?" David asked.
"I'm not breaking up with you or anything," Kyle replied. "I'm just moving into an apartment."
"Why?" David asked.
"I'm trying to save us," Kyle replied.
"Well all you're doing is tearing us apart," David said. "You want space? Fine. I'm out of here." with that David stormed out of the bedroom. Kyle then heard the sound of the front door slamming shut.
Kyle walked out into kitchen where Randal and Stanley were hanging out.
"David left," Randal said.
"Yea, thanks," Kyle said sarcastically.
Kyle walked over and sat down at the kitchen table.
"So you going to go after him?" Stanley asked.
"No," Kyle sighed. "Not this time."
Tyler and Jake were driving over to David and Kyle's, they were both still reeling from their first therapy session and didn't really know how to act with each other.
"So when we get there are we going to act like a happy couple?" Jake asked.
"I guess so," Tyler answered.
"Okay," Jake replied.
"If they ask us how we're doing, let's just say that we're working on our issues now and that everything is fine," Tyler said.
"All right," Jake replied.
They grew quiet again. But after another couple minutes Jake couldn't take it anymore.
"I would have fought for you if I thought that there was a chance you would want me back," Jake confessed. "After we broke up I didn't know how to deal with anything, everywhere around here reminded me of you. That's why I went to New York, to get away from all the memories because I knew that I would never get over you."
"Jake, we shouldn't really talk about this now," Tyler said. "We should wait until our next session with Dr. Waissman."
"Why?" Jake asked. "This is about you and me."
"Jake, if you truly felt we were meant to be together then you would have tried to get me back," Tyler said. "But it seemed like you just gave up on me, on us."
"I knew that you were the only person I was supposed to be," Jake said. "But I felt that you didn't think I was the one for you anymore, so how am I supposed to fight for something I felt I could never win?"
"It's going to take some time," Tyler sighed. "We have a lot of stuff to work out still."
"I know, but please just know that I do believe that you're the one for me," Jake said. "And know that I love you."
Tyler nodded his head. "I love you too."
Tyler reached over and held Jake's hand. It was the first time in weeks that the two have even touched one another. Jake smiled hoping that this was a start towards a reconciliation.
Back at David and Kyle's place Marcus and Trevor had arrived and were all in the kitchen.
"So David just stormed out?" Marcus asked after Randal caught him up on what happened.
"Yeah," Randal replied.
"Where's Kyle?" Marcus asked.
"He's in the bedroom," Randal answered.
"Some Thanksgiving huh?" Stanley joked.
"Yea, just so you guys know our Thanksgiving usually don't involve this much drama," Marcus said to Stanley and Trevor.
"Well, last Thanksgiving was kind of weird remember?" Randal asked.
"Oh yea, Brett," Marcus remembered.
"Who's Brett?" Trevor asked.
"Crazy guy that David dated when Kyle was starting to like him," Randal explained.
"Oh," Trevor answered.
"It's more complicated then that but I'll tell you later. It's a long story." Marcus said.
"Should someone go talk to Kyle?" Trevor asked.
"Yeah, I will," Marcus said heading to the bedroom. Marcus knocked on the door.
"Who is it?" Kyle asked.
"It's me," Marcus replied.
"Come in," Kyle said.
Marcus walked in and found Kyle sitting by the window looking outside.
"What are you doing?" Marcus asked.
"Nothing," Kyle replied.
"Are you looking to see when David comes back?" Marcus asked.
"No," Kyle said unconvincingly.
"What's going on with you two?" Marcus asked.
"I don't know," Kyle replied. "Him and I are just not in that 'bliss' period of our relationship anymore and we obviously are not adjusting to it very well."
"It can be a good thing you aren't in that 'bliss' stage anymore," Marcus reasoned.
"How?" Kyle asked. "That stage is the perfect stage in a relationship. We were happy all the time, we couldn't get enough of each other. How is it a good thing that it's over?"
"You know why that stage is so exciting?" Marcus asked. "Because it's dangerous, because you're out there and you're not sure if it will last or not. But once that stage is over you get a more comfortable feeling, that excitement is replaced with security. If you ask me, I think having that security is the best thing of all. I can't wait until I get to that stage of a relationship with Trevor."
"But why are we fighting all the time?" Kyle asked.
"You two are both just having trouble adjusting," Marcus replied. "I think you might be fighting to just keep that excitement in the relationship, to keep the emotions high, even if it's not the excitement you had when you were happy, it's still exciting."
Kyle nodded his head understandingly.
"Maybe you're right," Kyle said.
"So is it true you're moving out?" Marcus asked.
"Yea," Kyle answered.
"Is that something you want to do?" Marcus asked.
"Not really, but I'll do it if it will save my relationship with David," Kyle replied.
"Talk to David," Marcus said. "You might not have to move out if you explain to him that your fights might just be a result of having a hard time getting out of the 'bliss' period."
"Thanks Mar," Kyle said giving Marcus a hug.
"Of course," Marcus replied. "Glad I could help."
Kyle and Marcus got up and then headed back into the kitchen where the other guys were, Tyler and Jake had arrived and they were all drinking some wine.
"Everything all right?" Tyler asked.
"Yea," Kyle answered. "Everything is fine. I just need David to get home so we can talk."
"You might want to check on your turkey," Randal suggested.
"Oh yea," Kyle remembered opening the oven. He pulled the turkey out and then poured some more of the butter and wine mixture over the turkey and then put it back in the oven and reduced the temperature.
"How are you two doing?" Marcus asked Tyler and Jake.
"We're fine," Jake replied simply.
"Good," Marcus said. "Glad to hear it."
"While we're waiting for David and the turkey to finish do you all want to have some appetizers?" Kyle asked.
"What did you make?" Tyler asked.
"Some crab dip and I just cut up some pieces of french bread," Kyle replied.
They guys began to eat some of the appetizers as they waited for David. They all gathered into the living room and sat on the couch talking and watching tv.
Three hours had passed and still no David. Kyle had already taken the turkey out of the oven and it was all ready to be served, but he didn't want to carve it until David came back.
"Want me to call his cell?" Tyler asked.
"No use," Kyle replied holding up David's cell phone. "He didn't bring it with him."
"Do you know where he might have gone?" Jake asked.
"No," Kyle replied getting worried.
"I'm sure he's fine," Stanley said hopeful.
"You're right," Kyle agreed. "I'm sure he's all right."
Kyle then went back into the kitchen to try and keep himself busy.
"Everything going all right with you Stan?" Jake asked.
"Yea," Stanley replied. "I'm doing a lot better. Thanks."
"He's been awesome," Randal added. "He's a strong guy."
Randal then wrapped his arms around Stanley.
"I just realized that even though I can't be with my son I at least know he's all right," Stanley said. "And that's comforting, plus I have Randal."
"How do you two stay so happy together?" Marcus asked.
"What do you mean?" Randal asked.
"I mean, you two have been together for a while and it still seems you are in that 'bliss' period of the relationship," Marcus pointed out. "You two never seem to fight or anything, you guys are always happy. It's even more impressive considering you both have opposite work schedules. How do you two manage?"
"Well, you know me," Randal began. "Before I was very anti-relationships, but then when I met Stan, I realized that he's really something special if he had the ability to make me want to get into a relationship you know?"
"Yea," Marcus nodded.
"I think that when you finally meet that one person who completes you, you have to learn what's important to fight about and what's not," Stanley said. "Him and I have disagreements on things, but in the end we know that what he have is special and we aren't going to blow it on things that really don't matter. We don't dwell on things, we face the problem and move on."
Tyler and Jake both exchanged a look both realizing that they need to learn to be the way Randal and Stanley are.
"That's good," Marcus said.
"We can be like that," Trevor said giving Marcus a kiss.
"I think so too," Marcus replied with a smile.
"Do you think we should go ahead and eat?" Kyle asked.
"We can wait a little longer," Stanley replied.
"Are you sure?" Kyle asked. "If you guys are hungry we should just go ahead and eat."
"Really, it's okay Kyle," Jake said. "We can wait."
"I'm sorry guys," Kyle said. "This day is not turning out how I hoped."
"Don't worry about it," Tyler consoled. "Lets just hope David's all right."
"Yea," Kyle nodded worriedly.
Another hour passed and still no word from David. Kyle's emotions shifted constantly from being worried, to angry, to sad, to guilty.
"Let's just eat guys," Kyle said giving up. "If he doesn't show up after we're done I'm going to go look for him."
"You sure you don't want to wait?" Randal asked.
"Yea, I'm sure," Kyle answered.
The guys all sat down and began to eat. Kyle carved the turkey and served everyone.
"The food's great Kyle," Trevor offered.
"Thanks Trev," Kyle replied.
"I'm sure David is on his way here right now," Jake said trying to comfort Kyle.
"I hope so," Kyle said barely touching his food. "So, let's just change the subject for a while please."
"Okay," Marcus said.
"Well, I have some news," Randal brought up.
"You going to tell them?" Stanley asked.
"Yea," Randal replied.
"Tell us what?" Jake asked.
"I've been debating this for a little while and was talking it over with Stan the other day," Randal began. "Well, let me start by saying that I'm quitting my job at the club."
"You are?" Tyler asked surprised. "I thought you loved working at the club."
"I do, I love working there," Randal replied. "I love the atmosphere and the energy and all of that."
"Then why quit?" Marcus asked.
"I decided to open my own club," Randal replied.
All the guys looked at Randal with shock.
"You're going to open your own club?" Kyle asked.
"Yea," Randal answered. "Do you not think it's a good idea?"
"It's not that," Tyler replied. "It's just that you're really young."
"Yea, Randal," Marcus added. "You're only 23, that's pretty young to be starting your own business."
"Lots of people have started businesses at around my age and even younger," Randal said.
"I know, but do you know how to go about doing it?" Marcus asked.
"Yea," Randal replied. "I know exactly how the club is operated and run and I know that I can do it."
"How are you going to pay for it?" Marcus asked.
"I'm going to get a loan," Randal replied.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Stanley asked.
"You guys," Randal said. "I thought you would all be a little more happy for me."
"We are," Marcus said. "It's just we want to make sure you know what you're doing."
"I do," Randal replied. "This is something I really want to do."
The guys nodded.
"All right," Marcus said. "Well, congratulations."
The guys all held up their glasses and drank to Randal for his new road in life.
The guys finished eating and still no word yet from David. Kyle then put on his jacket and grabbed his keys.
"I'm going to go look for him," Kyle said.
"We all will," Marcus said. "Come on guys. Let's split up. Kyle you should go with Randal and Stanley, Trevor and I will be together and Tyler and Jake, you guys should stay here."
"All right," Tyler agreed.
"Okay, if any of us hear anything then we'll call the others okay?" Marcus asked.
"Yea," Randal said.
"This is the worst Thanksgiving ever," Kyle sighed heading for the front door.
"Don't worry, we'll find him," Randal said patting Kyle on the back as they left.
"Trevor and I will check out the store first and then the diner," Marcus said.
"We'll go to the club," Randal added.
They all got into their cars and drove off.
"David could be anywhere," Tyler said as Jake and him went back into the apartment.
"I know," Jake replied. "He might be in some random bar some place."
"Well, let's clean up so Kyle doesn't have to do it when he gets back," Tyler suggested.
"All right," Jake said.
The two of them began to clear the food off the table.
"Will you help me put the dishes in the dishwasher please?" Tyler asked.
"Yea," Jake replied opening up the dishwasher for Tyler.
"Thank you," Tyler said as he began loading it up.
The two of them finished cleaning up the food and then went back to the kitchen and poured themselves another glass of wine.
"You know," Jake began. "This is the first time in a while that we've been able to work together. Before tonight we've been eating separately and pretty much doing everything separately."
"I know," Tyler replied.
"You think this is the beginning of us getting back on track?" Jake asked.
"I hope so," Tyler replied optimistically.
Jake smiled, "You think it's okay for us to hug?"
"I think that would be okay," Tyler replied smiling also. The two then held each other. Jake sighed with relief feeling Tyler's arms around him, it's the only place that he feels truly safe and he never wanted that feeling to end.
Meanwhile, Marcus and Trevor were in their car heading to David's store.
"I can't believe David would do this," Marcus said. "Him and Kyle have gotten in fights before but never one where David actually took off like this."
"I always thought Kyle and David were such a happy couple," Trevor commented.
"They are," David answered. "Or they were at least."
"Let's not let that happen to us," Trevor said.
"It won't," Marcus replied taking Trevor's hand. "I honestly see us as being really happy together."
"Me too," Trevor agreed. "When Randal and Stanley were talking about how they stay happy, all I could think of was us."
"I know," Marcus said. "I've never met anyone who makes me feel the way you do."
"Me neither," Trevor said. "I think this could be it for me."
Marcus smiled, after his last boyfriend being a true psycho, he can't believe how lucky he was to find someone as perfect as Trevor.
"My mom's going to love you," Marcus said.
"You think?" Trevor asked.
"I know," Marcus replied. "She'll think you're the best."
"I hope so," Trevor said. "I've never been really good meeting parents. Even my friends, I was never great when I met their parents."
"Why's that?" Marcus asked.
"I think just because I lost my parents at such a young age and then I didn't get along with my grandparents who raised me," Trevor replied.
"Do you mind me asking why you didn't get a long with your grandparents?" Marcus asked.
Trevor sighed hating to even think about them.
"Well, you know I grew up in Texas," Trevor said. "And the city I grew up in was very conservative. Well, one day when I was thirteen my grandma walked in on me and this friend of mine. Him and I were kissing."
"Oh," Marcus said understanding.
"My grandma threw a fit," Trevor continued. "She grabbed my friend and threw him out of the house and then she dragged me to church to pray for my sins."
"Oh my God," was all Marcus could say.
"I remember being in the church and wondering what was so wrong with what I did," Trevor said. "To me it felt perfectly natural, like there was nothing wrong with it. My grandma told my grandpa and he yelled and screamed at me telling me he didn't want a 'fag' in the family. I didn't say anything, I was to scarred to say anything."
"Of course you were," Marcus agreed.
"After that they didn't talk to me for a week," Trevor said. "In that time I had thought over everything and realized that I didn't do anything wrong. From then on I just started hating them and I didn't want anything to do with them. I tried to leave, but they wanted to protect their reputation so they made me stay and told me that as soon as I was eighteen I had to go. So when I turned eighteen, I packed my bags and I came out here."
"Oh my God," Marcus sighed. "I can't believe you went through all of that."
"Well you know, a lot of gay people have upbringings like that," Trevor said. "I was just one of many."
"I'm sorry you had to go through that," Marcus said.
"It's fine," Trevor said. "I don't regret any part of my upbringing."
"Really?" Marcus asked.
"No, everything happens for a reason," Trevor replied.
"That's true," Marcus said.
Trevor then looked as they were approaching David's store.
"There aren't any lights on in the store," Trevor said.
"Well, he might be in the back," Marcus said as he parked the car. "Come on, let's go check."
Trevor and Marcus got out of the car and went to the store. They looked into the window and started knocking hoping David would come out if he was in there. After a couple minutes and no answer they then went to the back door of the store and began to knock, but again they got no answer.
"Damn it," Marcus said as they turned to head back to the car.
"Hey Mar," Trevor said.
"Yea?" Marcus asked.
"I know that this really isn't the time to be saying this, but I had to tell you that when you were taking charge as we all headed out to look for David tonight; I gotta say, it was pretty hot," Trevor replied with a sly smile.
"You thought so huh?" Marcus asked smiling as well. "I guess I just might have to take charge more often."
Trevor smiled, "I think you should."
Marcus laughed, "We'll go over this more later."
"Okay," Trevor replied as they got back into the car.
Over across town Randal, Stanley, and Kyle were headed to the club.
"I'm going to go crazy," Kyle said frustrated. "I hate feeling helpless."
"Don't worry," Randal consoled. "We'll find him."
"What if he's off getting drunk somewhere?" Kyle asked. "That ass."
"Hey Kyle, remember, it was fighting which made him leave in the first place," Stanley brought up.
"You're right," Kyle agreed. "Sorry."
"I'm sure he just needed some alone time," Randal said.
"This whole thing is all my fault," Kyle said. "I just sprung on him that I was moving out."
"Why are you moving out?" Stanley asked.
"David and I have been in a real rut lately," Kyle replied. "And I think it's because him and I see each other 24/7. We always see each other so it's never special when we get to spend time together. So I thought if I moved out then maybe we can get that spark back, that excitement of being together and looking forward to seeing each other."
"I guess that makes sense," Randal said.
"I mean, I wasn't doing it to hurt him," Kyle said. "But he doesn't see it that way."
"Well when you see him you can talk to him and explain everything," Randal said.
"Okay, I can't think about this right now," Kyle said. "So Randal, what made you want to open a club?"
"Are you actually going to listen or is this just to keep your mind off of David?" Randal asked.
"No I'm really going to listen," Kyle replied.
"Well, I've always dreamed of owning my own business," Randal said. "I mean, I majored in business at school and everything I just didn't know what to do with it."
"So the business you want to start is a club?" Kyle asked.
"Yea, I've been working at the club for so long now that I know how to run it with my eyes closed," Randal continued.
"Aren't clubs kind of a risky business?" Kyle asked.
"Starting businesses in general are risky," Stanley said. "At work I see all sorts of cases about businesses, but if you have the drive to do it and the right location and everything then it can be very lucrative."
"Have you thought about a location?" Kyle asked.
"Not yet," Randal answered. "Right now I'm just in the planning stages and I'm going to go out and look after the holidays."
"Hey, maybe your sister can go in on it with you," Kyle brought up.
"No," Randal said quickly.
"Why not?" Kyle asked. "She's rich, I'm sure she'll go in on the club with you."
"I do not want her to help me with this," Randal replied.
"Why don't you ever talk about your sister?" Stanley asked.
"I don't get along with her," Randal replied.
"Why?" Stanley asked.
"For a ridiculous reason," Kyle commented.
"It's not ridiculous," Randal said.
"Yes it is," Kyle replied.
"Are you going to tell me?" Stanley asked.
"For as long as I could remember I've always lived in her shadow," Randal replied. "She got the better grades, she was prom queen, she started her own line of clothes and became stinking rich, she married a CEO. Then there was me, didn't get great grades, wasn't popular in school, I barely made it through college, I work as a bartender oh and I'm gay so my parents weren't too pleased with that."
"I thought you got a long with your parents?" Stanley asked.
"I do now," Randal replied. "But I'm sure I didn't turn out the way they hoped, unlike Faith."
"So that's why you don't like her?" Stanley asked.
"Yea," Randal replied.
"Isn't that lame?" Kyle asked.
"Kinda," Stanley commented.
"What?" Randal asked. "You're supposed to be on my side."
"Come on babe," Stanley replied. "She never did anything to hurt you. You can't be mad at her for her accomplishments."
"I know," Randal said. "I'm just bitter I guess."
"How long has it been since you've seen or talked to her?" Stanley asked.
"Couple of years," Randal replied.
"It's been a couple of years?" Stanley asked surprised, "That's a long time."
"Oh hey we're here," Randal said changing the subject as they approached the club. Randal parked in the employees lot and they walked in the back door. They then started searching through the club looking for David.
"How the hell are we ever going to find him in here?" Stanley asked looking at all the people.
"I have an idea," Randal said going up to the DJ booth.
"What's he doing?" Stanley asked.
"That's Randal for you," Kyle replied. "Can always count on him to do something crazy."
The music in the club suddenly stopped. The masses of people started booing and getting confused as to what was going on.
"Can I have everyone's attention please?" Randal asked speaking into a microphone. Everyone quieted down. "All right, well first off I just want to say Happy Thanksgiving. I'm the bar tender here. Anyway, I was just wondering if there was a David Ford here tonight.
David are you here?"
No one in the club said anything.
"No David?" Randal asked.
"No, just put on the music!" a club goer shouted. Then everyone began to shout for more music.
"All right," Randal said. "Sorry, enjoy."
Randal then left the DJ booth and the music resumed.
"I guess we don't have David here," Randal said.
"Let's go," Kyle said. The guys then headed out.
Back at the apartment Tyler and Jake were watching TV when David walked in.
"David, thank God," Tyler said getting up from the couch. "Where have you been?"
"Just driving around," David replied.
"We've been really worried about you," Jake said. "Kyle's distraught."
"Yea, I'm sure," David said sarcastically as he headed to the bedroom. The guys followed him.
"He is," Jake continued. "He's really worried about you."
"It doesn't matter," David said grabbing his duffle bag.
"What do you mean it doesn't matter?" Tyler asked. He then saw that David was packing. "What the hell are you doing?"
"I just have to take a break from him for a few days," David said. "I don't want to be here when he's moving out and I especially don't want to see him until after he's gone."
"David, don't do this," Tyler reasoned. "You have to try and talk to him. You love him don't you?"
"It's not that simple," David replied.
"Yes it is," Tyler said. "In the end, it all comes down to love. If you love him then that is reason enough to work things out."
Tyler then caught his words, he took a moment to absorb what he just said and how much he truly believed in what he was saying. He then looked at Jake and smiled.
"You know, Jake and I haven't been doing great lately," Tyler said. "And I kept trying to think of reasons not to trust him anymore or not to be with him, but I realize now that I love him and in the end that's all that really matters."
Jake smiled knowing full well that from now on things were going to be better for him and Tyler.
"It's different for you two," David said as he finished packing up his things.
"No it's not," Jake said. "You and Kyle love each other. You two belong together just as much as Tyler and I belong together. Sure you both may hurt each other from time to time, but you have to realize how much you really care about him."
"You guys don't understand," David said as he headed for the front door to leave. "Things have just slowly been going south for Kyle and me. And today it just became too much. I have to have some space from him."
"Of course you do," Tyler snapped. "Because if ever a problem is too much for you to handle you just run. How many more times are you going to do this to Kyle? Don't be surprised if he isn't there for you when you decide to come back."
David stopped for a moment at the doorway before leaving. Tyler and Jake watched David go and were both very disappointed by his actions.
Over across town Randal, Kyle and Stanley were back in the car when Randal's phone rang.
"Hello?" Randal asked answering.
"David came back," Tyler replied over the phone.
"He did?" Randal asked.
"Is it David?" Kyle asked.
"I wanted to call you because I didn't know how to tell Kyle, but David left," Tyler said.
"What?" Randal asked.
"He said he needed some space from Kyle so he packed a bag and left," Tyler answered. "He said he didn't want to be around when Kyle moved out."
"Oh my God," Randal sighed. "Not again."
"What's going on?" Kyle asked.
"I'll see you in a bit," Randal said. "Call Marcus and Trevor will you?"
"Sure," Tyler replied before hanging up.
"What's wrong?" Kyle asked.
"Kyle," Randal said slowly, not sure how to say it.
"Randal just tell me," Kyle pleaded.
"I guess David went back to the apartment," Randal began.
"He did?" Kyle asked hopeful.
"Yea, but he packed some things and left," Randal replied.
"What?" Kyle asked. "What are you talking about?"
"I guess he told Tyler and Jake he needed some space and that he didn't want to be around when you moved out," Randal said.
"Oh my God," Stanley sighed as he took all that information in and then looked over at Kyle. "Are you okay?"
Kyle didn't say anything, he just sat quietly and took in what Randal had said. They were quiet the rest of the way back to the apartment. When they got there Trevor, Marcus, Tyler and Jake were all standing outside waiting for them. When they got out of the car they all came rushing over to Kyle to see if he was all right.
"You okay?" Marcus asked.
"I'm fine," Kyle said quietly.
All of them slowly went back into the apartment. Kyle looked around at the apartment, nothing looked different, but at the same time it seemed so lonely inside. Marcus then went up to Kyle and gave him a hug. Kyle finally letting it sink in that David left again grabbed onto Marcus tightly.
"He did it again," Kyle sighed.
"I know," Marcus said. "I know."
Late that night after all the guys had left Kyle was sitting at the kitchen table looking over at the empty chair that David usually sits in. He shook his head in disappointment and let everything sink in.
FLASHBACK
"You felt something when we kissed. I know you did. Are you willing to give up on that feeling?" David asked
"If it will keep me from getting hurt than yes." Kyle replied
"But you're hurting yourself by giving up." David said
"I can handle hurting myself, I can't handle someone hurting me." Kyle said
"I would never hurt you." David said
"Like I said to you last week you can't make a promise like that." Kyle said
"And like I said last week, I can." David replied
END FLASHBACK
"You promised," Kyle said quietly to himself as he sat a lone thinking about everything that went wrong with him and David.
To Be Continued....
Hope you all enjoy, with any comments, questions, or feedback of any kind please e-mail me at ilj4ever44@yahoo.com. Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving everyone!