The Hazard Gene: Panther Circus

By Dante Gennaro Jr.

Dylan Hazard is a senior in high school, who has been struggling for years with accepting his sexuality. When he decides to come out to his family and friends as gay, he discovers he inherited enhanced energy which gave him his special ability. While learning to embrace his sexuality, Dylan is in a race against time to master his newfound power

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nspired Thinking Publishing LLC
• Release date: May 30, 2018
• ISBN: 9780999366219

Book preview

Prologue

The Mansion

Tears fell down his cheeks as blood ran down hers.

Mom! Dylan cried as he leaned over his mother, Gail, cradling her in his arms. Just hold on, you're going to be okay.

Heavier than he expected, Dylan lifted his mother's limp body close to his chest and placed his forehead onto hers. As he picked his head back up, he saw her looking at him. Her lips quivered while another tear trickled down her cheek and merged with a stream of blood.

Dylan... she whispered, I will always be with you… Trust your instincts…I love you.

No, Mom! Dylan frantically yelled as tears blurred his vision. No! Don’t die!

Instantly everything went black.

---

Dylan shot up in bed, drenched in sweat and gasped for air as his nightmare lingered in his mind. Panting heavily, his arms felt exhausted as if he had just been holding his mother.

Good afternoon, Dylan, a soft, sweet voice called out. The gentle tone startled him, and he began to study his surroundings. The unfamiliar room was dark. He looked in the direction of the voice and opened his dry mouth to ask who was there.

I'm sorry I startled you. Here…

Light fixtures mounted on the walls illuminated the bedroom. In the right corner, next to a magnificent fireplace, sat a beautiful woman in an armchair, upholstered in white leather, with dark wooden legs. She slowly stood up as Dylan instantly compared her to his mother. They looked the same age and their smiles rivaled in beauty. Her plump, glossy lips parted as if unsure of what to say next. She was average height and slim built, with long, thick brown hair that fell just past her shoulders. This woman's gentle manner combined with her soft, soothing voice left Dylan mesmerized.

Looking down he noticed he was lying on top of a large bed, dressed in the same outfit he wore the day before.

Where is Ethan? he asked, sitting up.

The previous night flashed across Dylan’s mind as his last memory of Ethan came to him. They had been walking to a large armored vehicle with two strangers.

Your friend is fine, the woman replied, smiling. The two of you slept side-by-side in this bed last night. I came in this morning to wake you both, but reconsidered as he felt it'd be best I let you sleep. He’s downstairs with my children, Lily and London, the two who brought you here.

I'm so sorry about all of this, she said as she gracefully walked toward Dylan. This must be extremely confusing, and I know this won’t help, but I'm your Aunt Denise.

She sat on the edge of the bed by Dylan's legs.

Immediately, Dylan felt a wave of calmness come over him and his worries washed away as he focused on her emerald eyes watching him.

Aunt…Denise? Dylan replied, emphasizing the word aunt. Please feel free to call me Denise if you’d like.

But I don't have any extended family, he explained. What just happened? I feel…weird.

Denise sat still, holding her composure as her smile faded.

No, my darling. Denise gently shook her head side to side. You do. And I had hoped your parents might have told you about us. You had a rather large family up until a few decades ago, when these attacks on our family started.

Attacks? Wait, you know my parents? Dylan’s mind blurred. Who were those people who attacked my family?

I see you have a million questions and I would be more than happy to answer everything I can. We have been so excited to finally meet you, though I wish under different circumstances. You may not have known about us, Dylan, but we have always known of you.

Denise stood up and gracefully walked, as if gliding, to the opened bedroom door and nodded to someone on the other side. An older woman whose height barely reached Denise’s shoulders entered the bedroom. She wore a white uniform with gold trim and swiftly shuffled across the room to the windows.

This is Sophia, Denise announced. She’s one of our house staff who will be more than happy to assist you with anything you may need while we’re here.

Sophia raised her arms and grabbed a chunk of each curtain and swung them to either side, flooding the room with daylight.

As Dylan's eyes adjusted, they opened wide at the extravagant beauty of the room’s decor.

Wow, he said, looking around.

The entire room was covered in forest green wallpaper with gold-leaf swirls. The ceiling was bordered by crown molding which matched the golden designs on the wallpaper. Huge paintings hung from gold wires attached to the ceiling, as to not damage the wallpaper, and their images depicted portraits of significant looking people and families.

What do you think? Denise asked, crossing her arms and scanning the room. When your Uncle Matthew and I became owners of your grandfather’s estate, we completely renovated the entire property. Of course, we saved the family's valuables and relics upstairs, but donated old fixtures and such to the historical society.

Denise looked around admiring her work while Sophia opened the last set of curtains.

There were three mirrors around the room and a beautifully etched, white marble fireplace. On the floor of the fireplace where the burning wood would have been, laid hundreds of white, clear, and green shards of glass. Gail had a fire pit in the backyard with a similar design and realized the fireplace must be gas as well. There was a tall bookcase built into the wall to his left, filled with books and small trinkets. And on either side of him were doors trimmed in the same gold-leaf. Hearing a familiar noise, Dylan climbed off the bed, and walked over to a window. Looking out across an enormous manicured lawn, he could see the ocean in the distance.

Where exactly are we? he asked, staring at the water.

We are at one of our family's safe houses, Denise replied as she walked next to him. This happens to be my personal favorite. We’re at our family's estate in Newport, Rhode Island.

Dylan remembered his mother's favorite place to bring him was the beach. The smells and the sounds flooded his senses and he thought of her again as his mind regained focus and he could recall his bizarre dream. Dylan would have given anything to hug her and go for a walk along the water with her again. Overcome with feelings, his lip quivered as he lost grip on his emotions.

Oh, sweetie, Denise replied, taking notice. Come here and let me help. She grabbed his arm and quickly pulled him away from the window and wrapped her arms around him. We're going to get through this.

Denise hugged Dylan, and though she was a complete stranger, he felt immediately comfortable around her and could not resist hugging her in return. He rested his head on her shoulder and wept. Softly, she began to hum a tune as he felt her rub his back.

Immediately, another wave of calmness flooded his body and took the place of his sorrow. He felt calm and relaxed as if he had just finished meditating.

Another hand touched his back and Dylan lifted his head off Denise's shoulder to see Ethan wearing a somber expression.

I'm so sorry about your mom, Ethan said as they embraced.

Thank you, Dylan responded softly, unsure of what else to say.

Before they could rehash the events of the previous night, Denise interrupted.

Why don't we go downstairs and let Dylan freshen up. There is a dressing room and private bathroom on the other side of the doorway over there.

She looked in the direction of the doorway on the opposite side of the room from the one Sophia had entered.

We'll wait downstairs for you, Denise finished, ushering Sophia and Ethan out of the bedroom.

There was so much Dylan wanted to ask, but he did as he was told and walked toward the entrance of the dressing room.

Just as Dylan was about to enter, Denise chimed, Oh, and another thing, when I heard you were arriving late last night, I had the closet stocked with some clothing. Since we’ve never met, I had them get everything in small, medium, and large. Whichever doesn’t fit we can return.

Thank you, Dylan replied, somewhat puzzled.

How could she have a closet stocked on such short notice? He thought to himself.

You’re welcome, she smiled. If there's anything you dislike, we can send it back and get you something you’d prefer. You'll find we're very well connected, especially in this area.

Denise reached for the doorknob and closed the door behind her.

As Dylan walked into the dressing room be became instantly astonished. This wasn’t a walk-in closet. It was a personal boutique. The entire room, from the ceiling to the marble floor, was completely white. Once inside, lights automatically turned on overhead along the edge of the ceiling, as well as in each compartment where clothes had been placed. Hanging up on either side of the white room were button-downs, polo shirts, and jackets, each made by a different high-end designer and organized by color.

Holy crap, he said in disbelief, quickly totaling the clothing’s price tags to a few thousand dollars. He walked past shoes and pants on either side of him and made his way around an island of drawers he assumed were filled with underwear and socks. On the top of the dresser was a glass case filled with watches and jewelry stands covered with necklaces, bracelets, and rings.

At the other end of the large room, he stood in front of a white door with a golden antique knob. He opened the door and looked around the enormous bathroom which matched the size of his dressing room. Replicating the decor of the previous room, everything had a modern style as well. The only color that stood out was the gold-trim around the mirrors and gold finishing on everything metal.

Noticing another door on the opposite side, he headed toward it, opening cabinets and drawers along the way. Each was stocked with expensive hair and skin-care products. At the other door, he turned the golden knob and slowly pulled it open. On the other side was a hallway and he calculated to the left must be his bedroom door. Still feeling relaxed, Dylan shut and locked the bathroom door as he undressed.

Walking to the shower, he noticed the white marble flooring was heated. The shower had a floor to ceiling glass wall which divided the area. Stepping around the glass, he stared at an electronic keypad mounted on the wall. As Dylan placed his finger on the pad, it lit up. He pushed a button that resembled a shower head and water began to pour out of a fixture behind him. The shower head resembled a large metallic sunflower that poured water where its seeds would have been. Dylan tested the warmth before stepping under the stream as his mind began to wander. As the hot water made its way down his body, he wrapped his arms around himself, motionless, as the events of the previous weekend became clearer again in his mind.

1

The Chill

Late Saturday night, roars of laughter filled the local hangout, La Luna. Dylan's high school volleyball team just defeated Bingwall High and everyone was out celebrating. A best friend of Dylan’s named Jim imitated the opponent whose face got slammed by Dylan’s winning spike. Everyone laughed at Jim’s dramatic reenactment as he collapsed on the floor and flailed his arms and legs. For generations their school, New Cheshire Academy, had a rivalry with Bingwall, which made their victory that much more rewarding.

Sitting in their usual booth in the corner was Dylan and his girlfriend of three and a half years, Ashley, and his other best friend, Ethan. As someone helped Jim up and he took his seat next to Ethan, Dylan realized his face felt sore from laughing. The three guys were eighteen, the same height and physical build, but individually they stood out. Jim had short, red hair and freckles covering his fair complexion. Ethan's dirty blond hair was short on the sides and longer on top, which he kept combed back. His stylish good looks and demeanor often gave away he was gay.

You know I wouldn’t aim for his face, Dylan lied, grinning at Ethan as they made eye contact, knowing only they understood the intention behind the attack. He just got in the way.

Everyone at the table laughed as Ashley slid her hand off the table and onto Dylan’s thigh.

Ethan and Jim's gaze revealed they noticed the movement and smiled at Dylan.

Pretending this excited him, he smiled back.

Ashley leaned over to Dylan’s ear.

Can we leave soon? she asked. I'd like some alone time with you. Then she kissed him on his cheek and sat back in the booth.

Half-an-hour later the group finished with a celebratory cannoli and left, so La Luna could close.

The days had gotten warmer, however, the nights were still nippy as Ashley and Dylan walked out to his car, hand in hand. He opened the passenger door for her and closed it once she got inside. He walked around the front of the car and watched as Jim and Ethan got in theirs and waved good night.

On the drive to Ashley's house, they listened to the newest single by Serena Starr that constantly played on every radio station.

Oh! I love Serena Starr, she exclaimed, grabbing the volume control and turning it up. Then she strategically lowered her hand on his thigh and began to caress his leg. He knew what she was trying to do. He refocused on the road knowing that tonight he had to break up with her.

Wait, wait, stop over here on the side, Ashley said, pointing with her free hand to a dark clearing beside the road near her house. Nobody can see us if we park there, she finished, too excited for Dylan’s liking.

Sure, he said pulling over. Dylan parked and took a deep breath. Listen Ash, we need to talk.

Ashley unbuckled and pulled herself up and brought her face close to his.

I'm done with talking, she said, starting to kiss his lips.

Suddenly, Dylan felt an overwhelming shiver travel from the base of his skull, down his neck, into his arms and hands.

Slowly, he brought his hands up to her bare forearms and gently held her back.

Ashley, stop…just stop until I tell you I'm done.

Ashley pulled away and gave him the usual dazed look she did when he would stop her advances. Her eyes were asking ‘why?’

I'm sorry, he sighed his apology. I know you hate how I always make you stop. There's something I've been meaning to tell you for a little while now. He looked down at his sweating hands and instinctively rubbed them on his jeans. I don't know how to really say this. It doesn't have anything to do personally with you, but I just don't like you that way.

He looked over and saw her expression hadn't changed.

Great, now she's really upset, he worried.

I mean, it's not you personally, he said, fumbling for the right words. You're a best friend of mine and I do love you. I just can't keep doing this with you because…I just don't like girls that way.

His hands were drenched as he wiped his brow with his arm.

I’m not doing very well, he concluded.

He silently waited for a response. He looked out his window to the night sky.

Listen, I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings, he tried at another attempt. I never meant to lie to you, or to anyone. But you know how people can be and if they found out…I just don't want to be harassed or bullied by anyone. I'm still the same guy I've always been.

Unsure he was getting through to her, he looked at Ashley with tears in his eyes.

Please, just try to understand. I don't want you to hate me, he finished.

Ashley continued to gaze at him, making him more nervous.

Ashley, what's the matter? Say something!

She only blinked. Her body moved slightly because of her breathing, but he suddenly realized Ashley had been holding herself up and never sat down through his entire coming-out speech.

Ashley, what's wrong with you? He put his hands on both of her shoulders and carefully rocked her, Ashley? Ashley!

Nothing snapped her out of it. In a panic, Dylan pulled out his phone and called his dad to come help him.

Fifteen minutes passed and Ashley stayed motionless as Dylan’s dad, David, ran to his opened window. David was six feet tall and looked young for a man in his late forties. His hair was dark brown and always combed back. His goatee matched the color of his hair, and his tanned skin made his hazel eyes stand out, even at night. He had on a leather jacket over a white button-down shirt and his dress pants were evidence that he had been at work.

As David placed his hands on the car door, Dylan noticed his gold lion ring momentarily gleam. As a child, Dylan used to stare at it all the time. David never took off the family heirloom and told Dylan he would inherit an identical ring one day.

Wow. You weren't exaggerating, were you? David laughed as he saw Ashley still motionless, half off her seat. Well at least she’s still breathing.

Dad, this isn’t funny! I don't know what's wrong with her! Do I take her to the hospital?

Are you forgetting who you're talking to? David asked with a confident smile. This is going to be a little tricky, but I know you can fix this.

Me? Fix this? Dylan asked.

Yeah. Did you feel anything right before this happened? Was there some sort of a weird vibration you might have felt?

Weird vibration? You’re saying I did this to her? Dylan asked, becoming frantic.

Dylan, relax and think if you felt anything peculiar. Some people refer to it as a chill.

Dylan tried to think back, remembering nothing significant.

Dad, I don't know… he began to protest. Wait when you say a chill, do you mean that shiver I felt?

Yes, exactly, David replied excitedly. Quickly tell me about it.

I felt this weird shiver just before I held her off me. What’s that got to do with anything?

For a moment David appeared to be analyzing the situation. He looked at Ashley and then turned to Dylan. There's something your mother and I have to discuss with you. I know this is horrible timing, but there's been an emergency in Boston I need to attend to. Our talk will have to wait until tomorrow when I get home. He was quiet as he studied Ashley again. I'm impressed she stayed like this after you let go of her considering how young you are. I'm not a hundred percent certain how you did it, but I’ve seen someone do something like this before. If my hunch is correct, you told her to do something to make her stop moving. All you need to do is remember exactly what you said. Then a light went on in David’s eyes. Wait a second, really quick…what do you mean you ‘held your girlfriend off of you’?

Dylan immediately regretted saying so much, knowing his father was extremely detail oriented. A lot of people believed it was the reason why he was such a great surgeon.

Dylan knew this was not how he had planned to have this conversation all these years.

I was planning on breaking up with her. We can talk about it later.

David stepped back from the window and bent over, placing his hands on his knees and looked at Ashley and Dylan.

I know this doesn’t make sense and I’m sorry for having to go, David said. I wouldn’t leave if I didn’t think you could handle this. Oh, and one more thing. Don't tell anyone about this; not your friends, not your mother…nobody. We don't want to upset anyone, and risk being exposed. I love you. Call me when you unfreeze her.

Dylan silently watched David get back into his car and drive off. On the verge of a panic attack, Dylan took a few deep breaths and collected himself, directing his attention on Ashley.

Dylan's mind buzzed with thoughts, like bees in a hive. He shut his eyes and tried to concentrate.

Okay, focus and remember. What did I say? I wanted her to listen and to stop, he thought.

Suddenly, it came to him. The command he told her returned to him like remembering a name that slipped his mind.

Dylan turned to Ashley and let out a heavy sigh.

What the hell am I doing? he asked himself aloud. He took another deep breath and announced, I'm done.

As if a director had called 'action,' instantly Ashley reanimated and sat back in her seat looking at Dylan.

Hey, are you okay? Relieved, Dylan was still unsure what to expect.

Well, I was fine till you pushed me off you. Why do we always have to stop? she asked confused and disappointed. Are you not into me anymore?

Relief exuded through Dylan’s sigh as he placed his head down on the steering wheel to keep himself steady.

Exhausted and emotionally drained, he replied, Trust me when I tell you, Ash, it's me, not you.

I don’t understand what I’m doing wrong. She began to cry.

Dylan’s heart pounded louder and harder with each syllable she spoke. Hearing her upset only made it harder.

I mean, what am I doing wrong? Am I pushing you too fast? she asked, arms crossed in her seat. We’ve been together for over three years.

Ash…I’m gay, he interrupted her.

Ashley sat there for a moment in disbelief.

Wait what? You’re gay?

Making eye contact, he responded, Yeah.

Wait, like gay, gay? she asked again, trying to clarify his meaning. For years she had defended him against bullies.

Dylan nodded and fought back tears that appeared out of nowhere.

I’m sorry I’ve been keeping my secret from you. I’m still trying to figure some stuff out, but the truth is this has nothing to do with you. Please don’t be upset with me. I plan on coming out to my parents soon and you’re the first person I’ve told.

He had kept this from her and couldn’t be with her. He wished he was straight, not only for his parents and his friends, but so he could be with Ashley. He hated to admit it, but he was also afraid. This was the first person he was coming out to and he had no experience handling people’s reactions. The words, ‘I’m gay’ still felt foreign to his mouth.

Wow. Well, that explains a couple of things, she said as she pulled her hair back, leaving her hands around the back of her neck. She leaned forward and rested her elbows on her knees. And I’m the first person you’re coming out to? Jim, Ethan, your parents…none of them know?

You’re the first, he replied softly. Listen, I hope we—

How could you keep something like this from me? she interrupted. Her face turned red the more she spoke. You’ve been lying to me all these years! Have you even thought how this would affect me?

Ash, listen, it wasn’t like that, Dylan tried to explain.

Wasn’t like what, Dylan? You don’t switch being straight on and off. You’re born that way. You’ve been afraid all these years and instead of being open and honest with yourself and your friends, you chose to lie and hide.

Ashley, if you would just let me explain, Dylan said, bringing his hand to hold hers before stopping himself. His instincts told him to hold her, but he couldn’t. He was too afraid to touch her again.

No! No more of your lies! Ashley grabbed her things and reached for the door handle. I think it would be best if we didn’t talk to each other for a while.

Dylan was at a loss for words. He turned away as she slammed the door and left.

All alone in the dark, Dylan cried.

As he drove off, he pulled out his phone and felt a flurry of emotions. It had been less than an hour since his dad left, and Dylan knew if he was going to Boston he'd still be on the road. He called his dad and waited to hear a ring. Instead an automated message answered.

Hi, this is Dr. Hazard, the voicemail announced. I'm sorry I missed your call. If this is a medical emergency, please hang up and call 911. Otherwise, please leave a message after the tone and I will call you back at my earliest convenience. Stay healthy. Beep.

Dad, it's Dylan, please call me back. I fixed Ashley and she seemed to be fine. She didn't remember anything while she was stuck or frozen or whatever you want to call it. Can you please just call me back? I don't know what just happened and I’m freaking out. Dylan hung up the phone and dropped it on the passenger seat.

By the time he made it home it was almost midnight. The house was empty since his mother, Gail, was away with friends on a weekend spa retreat. Dylan hauled himself up to his room, exhausted. Everything going on would have to wait, since his dad hadn't replied to any of the text messages or voicemails he left.

Without anyone he could talk to, Dylan felt alone and frightened.

Undressed, he laid on his bed, his mind a blizzard of questions and fears. He still had no idea what he had done to Ashley and the thought of her telling everyone he was gay scared him.

Is this what it’s going to feel like every time I tell someone I’m gay? What if I’ve just made a terrible mistake? he thought.

Tears began to well as he turned on his side. Bringing his knees and arms tight to his chest, he broke down, soaking his pillowcase with tears.

2

The Talk

W e need to talk, Dylan said to his mom, Gail, as she walked into the house. All day he had sat and waited at the glass-top dining room table, located in the room next to the foyer. He respected his dad’s wishes not to bother his mom during her weekend retreat with her girlfriends but couldn’t hold back his questions any longer. His palms were clammy and soaked the cloth napkin he anxiously twisted in his hands.

Oh! Gail jumped, startled. Hi, honey, you startled me. Gail laughed as she dropped her luggage in the hallway and walked into the dining room. Is your father back? He texted me that he had an emergency in Boston last—

What the hell is going on with me!? Dylan interrupted, his eyes holding back tears. Angry and confused, he wanted the answers owed to him.

His mom walked to the table and rested her hands on the top of a dining room chair directly across from Dylan's.

I'm sorry, honey. I'm not sure what you're talking about. Why are you so upset? she asked.

Dylan couldn't tell by his mother's relaxed composure if she was being sincere or hiding something.

Dylan? she asked.

In her mid-forties, Gail was strikingly beautiful. Her sandy blonde hair and ocean blue eyes refused to give in as she stared into Dylan's.

What do you mean, 'going on with you'? she fished.

Dylan took a deep breath, no longer caring how crazy it sounded. All night and day he ran the scenario over in his mind to the point of headaches and exhaustion. He knew he wasn't going crazy and with his dad's phone turned off, his mom was going to deal with the brunt of his frustration.

Last night, on the ride home from La Luna, I did something to Ashley somehow and couldn't get her to move, Dylan blurted. While his tone was harsh and sounded factual, he tried containing his uncertainty and confusion in the back of his mind.

You did something to Ashley? Gail asked, hesitating. Just so we’re on the same page, does this have to do with sex?

What? No, this doesn’t have to do with sex! Dylan yelled. Somehow, I froze Ashley and she couldn’t move! She was paralyzed or something!

Gail’s face lit up with joy as she began to pump her fists into the air with such excitement, she could have been mistaken for winning the lottery.

Wahoo! It’s finally happened! Did you tell your dad? she asked as she pulled out the dining room