Bay County Memoirs

By L. Y. Reed

Bay County Memoirs is the title of a two part compilation that can be enjoyed collectively or selectively. This adult contemporary fictional work employs different types of love and controversy amongst a variation of characters. Survival from disease, religion from New Age to Satanism, business from professional establishments to prostitution, and endearment through strong involvement to the heights of deceit and disrespect, highlight this multi-plotted futuristic endeavor.

'Deuteronomy' engages heavily into worldly issues and provocative directions while 'Revelations of Bayside' reaches into the new millennium and its chaotic overtones. The book is full of fast paced dialogue and concise narrative while the characters come to life with undaunted presence and purpose. The book's cover (which was conceived by Richard Turner - Great Minds Graphic Design) should further entice the reader to be entertained by this novel.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Apr 3, 2000
• ISBN: 9781496942067

L. Y. Reed

Born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, the author still resides there after living in other areas of the country during his life. L. Y. Reed, which is the author’s pseudonym, was educated at the University of Texas and the College of Charleston. Work background includes sales in the communication field and many years in the hospitality industry. The author continues to write and he is in the process of producing a new and provocative novel. Reed would like to pay his deepest respect to his typist and editor, Cathy Barber.

Book preview

Copyright © 1999 by L. Y. Reed

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced,

stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the author.

ISBN: 978-1-5850-0989-3 (sc)

978-1-4969-4206-7 (e)

IstBooks-Rev. 2/2/00

Contents

About the Book

Part I Deuteronomy By L. Y. Reed

THE INITIAL ENLIGHTENMENT

I The Grandfather

II The Mother

III The Brother

IV The Ex-Girlfriend

V The Minister

VI The Lover

VII The Worst Enemy

VIII The Best Friend

THE SECOND EMBRACE

IX Berkeley Memorial

X Lucinda

XI Scott Harper

XII The Doctor and the Lawyer

XIII The Gym

XIV The Father

XV Paul and Meredith

XVI The Hospital

THE THIRD INSTALLMENT

XVII Together Again

XVIII Frederick Young

XIX Roger and Patrice

XX Thad’s Tavern

XXI Gloria

XXII Ross Temple

XXIII The Interview

XXIV The Library

THE FOURTH ENCOUNTER

XXV Hatred and Its Results

XXVI The Buzz Word

XXVII Midnight Rendezvous

XXVIII The Sermon

XXIX The Cutting Edge

XXX Veronica

XXXI The Double Date

XXXII The Church

THE FIFTH PROGRESSION

XXXIII Long Distance Phone Lines

XXXIV Afternoon Delight

XXXV The Red Light District

XXXVI The Art Show

XXXVII Leaving D.C.

XXXVIII The Lawyer and the Doctor

XXXIX Mindy

XC The Reservoir

THE SIXTH SEGMENT

XCI Impetuosity

XCII The Haunting

XCIII Neil and Gloria

XCIV Joey March

XCV Stash

XCVI The Plane Flight

XCVII Las Vegas

XCVIII The New Apartment

THE SEVENTH MOVEMENT

XCIX Inquisitions

C The Player

CI The Sentence

CII Balthasar

CIII The Doctor and His Wife

CIV The Lunch Date

CV Vicki

CVI The Birthday Gathering

THE EIGHTH ENDEAVOR

CVII Realizations

CVIII The Office Building

CIX Gretchen

CX Alice

CXI The Rival

XCII The Caribbean

CXIII Brothers and Sisters

CXIV The Wedding

THE LAST APPROACH

CXV Kellie

CXVI Katherine

CXVII The Break In

CXVIII The Doctors Appointment

CXIX Plans

CXX The Limit

CXXI The New Church

CXXII The Final Resolve

Part II Revelations of Bayside By L. Y. Reed

THE PREMIERE ETAGE

I Cataclysms

II Aftershock

III Paul and Shauna

IV Michael and David

V Bonnie and Gretchen

VI Carolyn and Rebecca

VIII The City Versus The Temple of Satan

THE SECOND SET

IX Yoga

X Kent Harper

XI Girls Night Out

XII The New Employee

XIII Katherine Returns

XIV The Passing

XV The Gay Bar

XVI New York City

THIRD ADDITION

XVII Surf and Sand

XVIII Elaine Boyd

XIX Vanished

XX The New Book and New Way

XXI Cliff

XXII The Letters

XXIII Greer Gadsden

XXIV Street Wars

THE FOURTH ADVANCEMENT

XXV The Motorcycle

XXVI Bahamian Barbecue

XXVII Advice

XXVIII The Modeling Shoot

XXIX Manhandled

XXX Nancy

XXXI Cassandra Carraway

XXXII The Visitor

THE FIFTH ELEVATION

XXXIII The Big Apple

XXXIV Work Ethics

XXXV The Twelfth Letter

XXXVI The Council

XXXVII Freeport

XXXVIII Departures

XXXIX Rough Trick

XC Eve

THE SIXTH DESTINATION

XCI Aftermath of a Storm

CXII Simone

XCIII The Funeral Home

XCIV Alice and Vicki

XCV The Office Party

XCVI Continental Drive

XCVII Revitalizing

XCVIII The Book Signing

THE SEVENTH ARENA

XCIX The Grilling

C Robin Hood

CI Thunder

CII The Major Appearance

CIII The Customer

CIV The Football Game

CV Decisions

CVI Deletion

THE EIGHTH DIVISION

CVII Sky’s Limit

CVIII Ireland

CIX Juliette

CX Cloverdale

CXI Proposals

CXII Friends

CXIII Confirmations

CXIV Rebecca Black

THE LAST MOTION

CXV The Arrangement

CXVI Discoveries

CXVII Em

CXVIII Developments

CXIX Trilogy-Part I

CXX Trilogy-Part II

CXXI Trilogy-Part III

CXXII The Final Capsule

About the Author

About the Book

Bay County Memoirs is the title of a two part compilation that can be enjoyed collectively or selectively. This adult contemporary fictional work employs different types of love and controversy amongst a variation of characters. Survival from disease, religion from New Age to Satanism, business from professional establishments to prostitution, and endearment through strong involvement to the heights of deceit and disrespect, highlight this multi-plotted futuristic endeavor.

Deuteronomy engages heavily into worldly issues and provocative directions while Revelations of Bayside reaches into the new millenium and its chaotic overtones. The book is full of fast paced dialogue and concise narrative while the characters come to life with undaunted presence and purpose. The book’s cover (which was conceived by Richard Turner—Great Minds Graphic Design) should further entice the reader to be entertained by this novel.

T

his is dedicated to Laura, Jim, May, Kimmy, my parents, Gerry, my nieces, my fellow employees, Margaret, and Luckie.

Part I

Deuteronomy

By

L. Y. Reed

THE INITIAL ENLIGHTENMENT

I

The Grandfather

What a beautiful day! I had to say it to feel it. Sterling Meadows was a beautiful, slightly hilly setting for my private retreat these days. Gravestones of the old cemetery ranged from the smallest monuments to the most ornate mausoleums. This land of perpetual care reached from wrought iron entrance gates through sparse trees to the breathtaking view over the river.

My favorite place to sit, daydream, or nap was beside this large Southern oak. It looked over my family plot. The outer gravesite was my grandfather, Josiah Trenton. I missed him terribly. As a child and as a teenager, we were very close. He was a father figure when my real father was always working or cavorting with young women.

My name is Storm Trenton. My beloved mother named my brother and me for two natural loves that she has. At 35, my gray eyes and trim body had to face a grim but sure reality.

I am dying. I knew that this brain tumor had progressed quickly. I’ve seen local and regional specialists that have prepared me for the inevitable. I was given the prognosis a year ago. They told me after several consultations and examinations that I might have six months to a year. My computer graphics position had given me a good living and benefits. I was able to save a good bit of money. I have recently gone part-time. I told family that it gave me some space to pursue other interests. Friends and my lover knew that a medical situation was my agenda.

Yes, lover. I have lived with a wonderful man for seven years. Tracy, like others, believed that my medication would eventually stabilize these headaches and dizziness. They believed that I had not found the right combination of drugs or medical advice. He had witnessed ups and downs with this, but he was supportive and optimistic. Living in a southern city was

enough to worry ones mind with other situations and emotions.

I was born and raised here. Bayside was a progressive, cultural, and historic oceanfront city. On the one hand, it has a southern mentality that could be unfair to homosexual couples. Tracy and I have made the best of it. We are not bar people. We met in the library. He was a librarian. Tracy was romantic at heart, and he was in the best place for his station in life. He escaped in books and I escaped in computer. Now, I escaped to the family plot.

Today my mind is tired. I negotiated time changes with my employment and I saw my lawyer to firm up the will yesterday. Today I needed to rest. The pain could be excruciating. Thank God I was very gifted and talented in my occupation. Thank God that I have gone beyond the denial and depression stages of my life. Depression was helped with work, friends, the web, and Tracy.

I relaxed under the tree on my blanket. I closed my eyes and felt the fresh spring sky. I was okay right now. I was daydreaming and drifting.

So, you come again.

Granddad?

Yes. It’s me. Storm, you will be joining me soon but there are some things you must do for yourself.

What is it you ask?

Come to terms with this. You have sheltered yourself from everyone. You have shown strength and fortitude. You must tell my daughter-in-law that I have appreciated her love and devotion to me, and the family. You must finally tell Sky what is happening.

Dad is somewhere in the Caribbean with Trixie or whoever and you want me to go to Mom and tell her thank you for putting up with this? He left us ten years ago so he could stay young with his broads. I was surprised he waited that long.

They need to know. Just like your friends and your partner.

I was never able to tell you about Tracy. I love him very deeply. I didn’t think you would ever understand.

"I do not understand but I would have preferred to have had more time with you in the end.

I loved my family unconditionally as I lived and progressed into the world of the soul immortal. Life is guided with two laws; you live and then you die. This deuteronomy of the universe is not a negative guide but a truth of the flesh."

I will not tell Sky. He has turned into my father. One failed marriage, many lustful affairs, and a child that rarely sees him.

Do not judge him. Give him the opportunity to know and to prepare. Alice will need him.

Mother is better off with her friends. Tracy will be there for her.

It is Sky’s duty as a son. You cannot expect Tracy to live your life for you after you are gone. You chose not to trust me. I ask that you please trust your brother.

That is not fair. I always trusted you and loved you.

Then you would have shared your life with me more fully when you chose an alternative lifestyle. There was no need to hide. Don’t hide now. Share this and prepare everyone. Do this for me as you say you will always love me.

He turned with a smile and a wink. I could smell his favorite cologne as he walked away and disappeared into the air.

The sun shined brightly on my body as I woke up. What is that fragrance that I smell?

II

The Mother

What’s wrong? You look tired. Is everything okay at work? Are you and Tracy okay? Alice Trenton queried.

Mom, I told you that I have cut my hours back to part time so I could sort some things out. Storm answered and then drew a deep breath.

Cut to the chase. Let’s hear it. What has happened? Is your brother in trouble? You never get along normally but if there is a problem you always rush to his aid.

It has nothing to do with Sky nor Tracy. It is all about me.

Alice sat down slowly. She sighed then she looked away. Her eyes were blurry with tears.

Son, is it those headaches that you continue to have?

Yes, Mom. Dr. Saulisberry has told me that these have been caused by an inoperable brain tumor. He gulped. I don’t have much time.

She burst into tears. Storm rushed over to comfort her. She sobbed in his arms for at least five minutes. Storm was surprised at the strength he showed her.

After brief composure with a Kleenex she asked softly, When were you going to tell your mother?

I was not going to tell you. I guess I wanted to believe I would quietly drift out of everyone’s lives when the time came.

I cannot believe you would not come to me. Did you tell Tracy?

No, but I will.

And your brother?

He does not care. He’s like my father. He’s busy running from job to job, bar to bar, and shitting on every woman in town. The only difference is that my father takes his job seriously while my brother only loves the gym, sports and himself.

Is this the way you want this to be, Storm? Please do this for me. Don’t dread this conversation with him. Embrace it. Your grandfather would want you to tell Sky.

Yes, he would. I know that now. He always loved your devotion as well.

Alice looked puzzled. She grabbed his hand.

Whatever it takes, I am there for you. I have tried to be a good and understanding mother. I made every effort in your relationship with Tracy.

I see.

"No, you do not. I love Tracy. It took me awhile through reading and meditation to accept your lifestyle but I never ran away. So do not run away from me now!"

You are a great and loving mother. I can not have asked for a better parent. I can’t believe you let Dad and Sky talk to you the way they have in the past.

God helps us to forgive and release. Now I must ask God to help me survive the loss of a son. Are you sure there is nothing more that can be done?

Mother, I’ve seen many doctors and they all give me the same dreadful x-rays and the same unchanging truth.

Have you talked to God?

Daily.

Have you spoken to Carolyn?

I will. Your love and devotion to me has always been a real comfort and joy. I always wished you would meet someone and remarry one day.

Not a chance, child. I don’t have the interest or desire anymore. I’ll be fine.

Mom, I must go. You have inspired me to go see Sky. Will you be alright?

As fine as can be expected, dear. I love you. Give me a hug.

I left her sobbing quietly at the door.

III

The Brother

Hey. What’s up, bro? Sky asked as he opened the apartment door quickly to my knock. He was without shirt in jeans. He was probably freshly showered after the gym. Or perhaps this was after some afternoon delight.

This built young man sported spiked blondish hair with shocking blue eyes. His eyes were the color of the sky.

When you comin’ back to the gym?

I’ll try to go tomorrow. I’ve been busy. Tracy has been painting a group portrait of some friends.

What ya gonna call it? ‘Homo Happiness’?

Look, I came over to talk to you about something.

Shoot. I have a job interview with the longshoremen in two hours. They may hire me back. And thanks for the rent money. I’ll get it back soon.

No problem. Storm knew he would never see any of the money that his mother or he had loaned his brother.

Want a beer?

Before the job interview?

Loosens me up. He popped a beer out of the fridge. From what Storm saw, it was full of pizza boxes, milk, and fast food leftovers.

How’s Connie?

Dumped the bitch. She was a lousy fuck anyway.

Do you think you’ll ever find the right one, Sky?

They are all the right ones if they have great tits and long legs.

How’s your daughter?

Mindy is fine. Look, why are you here? To mind my business or what? You got a gripe or concern, than let’s throw the cards on the table.

Okay. I’m dying.

Yeah? And I fucked Madonna. Don’t waste my time. What is this shit about?

Exactly what I told you. Storm felt his patience dwindling but he tried to remain calm.

No shit?

No shit.

AIDS? You got fuckin’ AIDS?

Brain tumor. Storm said as he felt his blood pressure rise.

Are you sure you ain’t just telling everyone this, bro?

I tell everyone the truth, including you.

Don’t get no attitude with me, asshole. You parade your boyfriend through restaurants, the movie theatres, as well as Mom’s house.

He’s my lover of seven years. When will you accept this?

Never! God Damn It!

Look, I came over here to ask you to be there for Mom. She’ll need you more that ever, Storm urged as he tried to check his temper.

When and if you kick the fuckin’ bucket, I’ll be there. May not be at the funeral home or funeral ‘cause I don’t want my friends to think I’ve gone too sweet, but I’ll be there for Mom.

Be nice to her, Sky. She has no one but friends or neighbors.

I didn’t ask Dad to fuckin’ leave nor did I ask Mom to choose you as her favorite.

I am not her favorite. You just don’t give her a chance sometimes. She was hurt at Christmas when…

Look, I gotta life too. I spent the morning with my daughter and the evening with my girlfriend.

Do you remember which one it was? Storm asked as he felt his patience going quickly.

Look, Motherfucker, I don’t get up in your business. You don’t question mine!

Storm responded with a sigh. He wanted to reach him somehow but he felt it was going nowhere quickly.

Saw Meredith yesterday. Looking good. She and that Warren broke up. He was a fuckin’ pussy anyway.

I may go see her.

Oh yeah? After all this time? Should be a kicker. Maybe she’ll lay you.

Storm looked at his brother in disbelief and anger.

You gonna tell Meredith that you’re becoming the family martyr? You better be tellin’ me the truth about this, Motherfucker. Sky released. He seemed tense after this remark.

I came to tell you about myself and ask you to spend more time with Mom. I did not come here to take shit from you about my life. I have worked hard, made my own choices for happiness, and I have no regrets.

Fine, bro. You told me. I heard ya. By the way, how’s that bitch Shauna? Still the first fag hag of Bayside? Tell her to stick this beer can up her ass.

Leave Shauna out of this. She really loved you. Now she’d love to kill you."

She loved my dick, the whore.

Sky burst out laughing. Storm did not find the humor.

Look, I need to get to my interview soon and I have a call to make. Do you remember that chick Lucinda? She wants to come over and cook me dinner. I want her fine ass here tomorrow night.

Hope it’s a great night. I have other visits today.

He tried to hug his brother but Sky would only extend a hand.

As he left, he could swear that he heard muffled laughter.

IV

The Ex-Girlfriend

What the hell kind of sick joke is this? Meredith Collins exclaimed as she tried to slam the door in Storm’s face.

Meredith, I need to see you briefly. I don’t need much of your time. I realize you probably just got home from work.

I left sick again today. I can’t shake this virus! And now I have to let you in my apartment after seven years of hell!

You would not return my calls after I broke the engagement. I was willing to remain your friend. You shut me out.

Look you bastard, I had no idea that my relationship was even in trouble. I was stupid! The worst thing is that it wasn’t like I could lose weight or change my hair color to compete for your attention, Meredith relayed in a bitter tone. She noticed that another apartment door had cracked and that a nosy neighbor was in the picture.

Get in here and make it brief, she said sharply as she threw the door open to Storm. She wisked away toward the couch. She sat down in a dramatic fashion and looked up to him with agitated eyes as he walked towards her.

How are your parents?

Not very proud of me these days. I started dating many people to get over you. They don’t understand why I haven’t found a husband! Isn’t that bullshit? she writhed as she looked away.

And Paul?

My brother and I will always despise you, Storm. If he hadn’t been there for me I would have probably run away and never ever looked back!

Did you ever know that he and Scott Harper cornered me outside my workplace one night? They commenced to beat the shit out of me. It was probably three months after we broke up.

You broke it off! I would have been very happy to be Mrs. Meredith Collins Trenton. I went so far as to chase your brother because I thought it would get to you!

You were with Sky?

"He took advantage of the situation several times until I realized that he could never and would never be you. He treats women like cheap tramps."

I’m sorry. I never had any idea that…

Don’t patronize me. The whole thing hardened me. I broke off with Warren because I will never be treated in a condescending manner by any man ever again! All of you are typical, worthless, self-centered bastards! Most all of you should be dead! A pause.

You will soon have your wish come true with me.

She looked into his eyes deeply. She got up off the couch. She slapped him in the face very hard.

I don’t care how, I don’t care why, and I won’t ever forgive you! So if you came over here to ask forgiveness or ask me to befriend your loving Tracy, FORGET IT! Goodbye, Storm. She walked toward the window crying.

I really never hated you or tried to embarrass you, Storm added quickly, as his face still stung.

I believe you. You just were not fair to me! Now I know, life is not fair. She added almost gasping for breath, "Maybe Scott and Paul should have killed you."

She never looked back.

He left quietly. He realized at that moment that she had sent her brother that night.

V

The Minister

Storm, you know I have time for a parishioner at any moment. I never leave here before 6 or 7 in the evening. What’s wrong, child? You seem troubled. What can I do?

Carolyn Fields was a pivotal force in my life. The first time I laid eyes on her in the pulpit, I knew that I was drawn back to God. Where I needed to be. I had only known her less that a year but her sermons comforted as well as absorbed me.

She was a classically beautiful black woman with light gray streaks in her hair, around forty years old. She furthered her education slowly from a middle class family to mother to social worker, then began a mission to God. Still furthering her education at the local seminary at Bayside, she was not readily accepted by the church. A chosen few saw the empowerment of presence, honesty, devotion and love. I knew from the very beginning that the woman was special.

Reverend, I am depleted. I told you of my problems with my medical history. Now I must confirm that the doctors say that my condition is a terminating prognosis. I am down to the wire. I seek kindness, redemption, and most of all, advice, Storm said to one of his closest friends.

Storm, does your family know this?

Yes.

And Tracy?

Not yet.

She pulled away from the desk and said a silent prayer.

How is the pain, Storm?

Not nearly as bad as the pain that I have shared with people I have loved in my life. Not Tracy. Thank God. Today has been bad enough. Revealing this to a crushed mother, telling my brother so he could crush my hope and then telling my ex-girlfriend so I could withstand a verbal beating. I feel I have disappointed so many people in so many ways.

Storm, besides God’s love and support, what can I help you release? It has appeared that your faith has endured. We must try not to swell on others’ actions. Continue to control and account for your own life.

I feel now that I am coming to grips with a punishment or retaliation. Maybe I should consider ending my life now to spare others of suffering, hate, or remorse.

She looked patiently into his eyes and stated, "If that is what you want, then end it for you, do not let others be responsible for this choice. We do not worship a vengeful God and you may well be depriving others that need to know this of very valuable and precious time."

I’m trying very hard not to stress and to find positive not negative energy in what I am doing here. This is a chance to say goodbye and that I regret I did not live up to everyone’s perception.

"Nonsense, young man. Find resolution calmly as you say. Remember I am always here for you. Remember God loves you. Do you realize that you are finding salvation of the soul? It is a process we seek if we are capable when we know we are dying. Just remember one thing, you are about to go through a beautiful transition of the body and the flesh into the spirit everlasting.

Thanks for your time. I need to go home now. I am a bit tired and I know Tracy has planned to cook dinner.

Call me anytime you need. I’ll come to you if you need. Remember God is always with you and give Tracy my best.

As Storm waved on the way out, Carolyn’s face seemed very saddened. She took off her glasses to wipe her brow as she looked out her window at the sunny day.

VI

The Lover

The mood was there. Light, classical music, great dinner, and low lighting over the contemporary setting. Wine glasses saluted a perfect evening in front of the gas fireplace. Our condo was our palace. Making love was a particularly joyous experience that night.

The next morning over coffee on the terrace I sat there looking over the pool. I remembered going to the library in search of books for a project seven and a half years ago. I met a very handsome blondish man with bluish-green eyes. He was the head librarian.

Our relationship grew as friends as I found myself in the library. I expanded the focus of my reading beyond job related materials. I learned that this ‘romantic at heart’ sought to nurture our friendship. The library became a new escape aside from the bars, the workplace, and the time with a fiance’ and her family as well as mine.

We started going to coffee on occasion. We found our political and religious views to be strikingly similar. We later discussed the metaphysical, the romantics (his love), and his painting.

Besides cooking, painting was his great love. One night over coffee, I expressed my concern that I loved Meredith, but I did not feel that our marriage was right. I explained that I did not feel I could spend the rest of my life with her. He explained that love in its truest form was always difficult to find. He invited this troubled soul to his apartment for a cocktail. I was not reluctant, just unsure, why I felt that I had to go.

I only paint the things I sincerely love.

When I got to the beautifully furnished apartment, I saw paintings of his family, sculptured pieces, romantic story authors, food settings, friends, and a particularly beautiful piece of an older man. He may have been ten years older than Tracy. He looked at me in the proudest sentiment and said, It was hard to do this justice.

I love it. He looks like a man of substance and happiness.

Tracy walked away and looked out the window for a moment. He told me that this was his first love.

You are enchanted with men? I said.

No, I’m gay, he said.

I know that, I remarked. I embraced it with your portrait.

He looked at me in a fashion like no other man had looked at me before.

That does not upset you? he asked.

No, it really does not. Talent and honesty have never bothered me.

Then I have one other piece I need to show you. It’s not quite finished. It needs some highlighting as far as I am concerned. It needs more depth and more feeling.

He walked over to a canvas that was covered. He relinquished, I hope you like this.

It was me! I’ve never seen myself portrayed in a more direct vision of my existence. I was overwhelmed.

You painted me?

Yes, it is you. With a little work, it will certainly be right, Tracy interjected.

But I thought…

Yes.

That your work exemplified the things you extremely love. This is wonderful! How do I fit into this picture?

How do you think, Storm? Tracy questioned in a serious mood.

I walked over to him, took him in my arms, and kissed him. We have been inseparable since that first kiss.

The sliding door opened. It brought me back to the present and the sudden realization of another headache.

How’s my guy this morning? Tracy asked as he walked onto the terrace sporting shorts and a tee shirt.

Little headache. Guess I can’t do caffeine well anymore.

Tracy sipped his own coffee.

"Just read in the paper that Scott Harper was arrested for beating some guy near death at some club last night. That

psycho would have killed you if Paul Collins had not been there. He’s uncontrollable."

Scott always had this violent temperament. He would never admit he needed help. Paul surprised me that night. I thought both of them wanted me gone. Storm said as he rubbed his head lightly.

Let’s talk about something. I have always given you support and love. These headaches are getting worse and.

I’m dying.

Never thought I would ever get you to tell me.

You knew?

The Physicians Desk Reference in the library told me all about those pills you hide from me. I know where they are. I approached Dr. Saulisberry. Of course, he would not divulge anything, but his eyes and his movements painted the picture.

I guess you have seen bills from Neil Joyner in the other room. I’ll see that you, Mom, and Shauna will be okay.

I want you, not the possessions. Just remember that, he said as he held my hand and looked in my eyes.

I love you. I know how emotional you are. I wanted to spare you as long as I could.

I promised myself not to show grief until you were gone. You are still here with me. I will enjoy every minute that we are together. Don’t talk about when you go. Tell me about the present. Don’t deny me again as long as you are here with me.

VII

The Worst Enemy

Tracy had left for work and I called Shauna and asked her to come by. I grabbed a little sunshine and headed to the gym for a light workout. When I came back I was sitting downstairs reading the newspaper. The doorbell rang. I looked at my watch. I knew it was too early for Shauna. I got up to open the door.

Paul Collins barged in my door.

How fucking dare you go near my sister! Haven’t you done enough?

Meredith’s brother was one of my closest friends. In fact, he introduced me to his sister. Now he proclaimed himself my worst enemy all over town.

Storm, is what she said the truth? Paul questioned in haste.

Yes, Paul. In fact, I thought about ending it myself so no one would suffer with me.

Well, I’ll be happy to do it for you, you son of a bitch. He yanked me by my collar into his face. It would be my fucking pleasure.

I looked in his eyes and then at his hand. He let me go quickly. I spun back.

Paul, I wanted to tell her goodbye. That’s all. I never hated her. I only wished her well.

You should have let it go. She will always be affected by this. You know how fragile she is.

She hardly speaks like the woman I was to marry at one time.

It’s a device. She never liked herself after you dumped her for the queer.

I never dumped her. I still loved her. I wanted to be her friend.

You didn’t want to be my friend. We went to the gym together, we shared friends, we were tight. Did you lust for me in the locker room? Was I supposed to believe you didn’t look at me, or our other friends, in that way?

I socked him. I still can’t believe it happened. I was never a violent person but the frustration packed a huge punch. He was on the floor and stunned.

That’s for the remark! That’s also for the visit you and Scott gave me! That’s also for showing up in my damned house, you self-righteous ass!

He wiped his chin of blood. Storm helped him up and got a handkerchief.

Storm, I never knew you had it in you.

Paul, I should have hated you but I didn’t. In fact, I felt sorry for you.

What do you mean?

You told me about an affair you had with a married man when you were fifteen. You told me it was a learning experience. You said you would walk away because you wanted to walk away. I went into a physical and emotional relationship with Tracy. I chose not to walk away. We started as friends and it grew into love. No regrets. No remorse. Meredith chose not to listen or understand and you chose to be the biggest hypocrite. Furthermore, you’d better stay away from Scott Harper. One night he may turn on you. Storm said as he took a deep breath. "Put it to rest man. Let me leave this world in peace. If you don’t choose to do this, then may God not let you have a peaceful moment for the rest of your life!"

The old friends’ eyes met. Paul took Storm’s hand and shook it slowly. He started to walk out, then stopped. He chose to hug his old friend. As Storm promised to keep his adulterous secret to his grave, Paul nodded and left quietly. Storm realized a bridge may have finally been mended. Also, he wished that his own brother had shown this compassion.

VIII

The Best Friend

You son of a bitch! When were you planning to tell me or were you not?" Shauna Winters yelled! Her short auburn hair stood on end. Her petite figure was clothed in a black business suit. She stopped to see Storm on the way out of town.

Shauna, it was hard enough to tell Tracy. He already knew. I thought he may have discussed it with you.

There is nothing that can be done? Nothing?

"No, honey.