The First Day of School

By John Mudzyn

It is the first day of seventh grade for Elliott, a student at a Catholic grade school in a conservative, solidly Republican town in northeast Ohio. His entrepreneur parents, considered leftover hippies by most, have always encouraged Elliott to think outside the box.
Jeffery is a fellow seventh grader whose father is an up-and-coming Republican running for Congress. He rarely talks to Jeffery unless he is giving instructions or opinions. His mother has a fondness for vodka tonics and rarely smiles. When Jeffery walks into Elliott’s class on the first day, Elliott immediately notices his piercing eyes. As that moment sets into motion a journey of confusion, Elliott and Jeffery must somehow find a way to balance hate and shame with love, understanding, and acceptance. When a deep family secret is revealed, the boys are transported down separate complex, emotional roads that lead them to balance their lives on a tightrope, terrified of falling. But as the answers come, both finally realize the importance of that first day of school.
The First Day of School is the emotional tale of two boys as they journey from friendship into a dark tunnel of shame and hate that leaves them battling to find the light at the end.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Feb 12, 2019
• ISBN: 9781532066108

John Mudzyn

John Mudzyn, born and raised in Northeastern Ohio, proudly served in the United States Navy for six years. After being honorably discharged, he began a 23 -year career in the automobile sales industry. Pursuing a desire to discover other employment opportunities, he started a 15- year second career in the retail sector, working for a major retail corporation. After retirement, he became involved in politics, becoming the senior team member for an Arizona State Senate campaign. He is also the author of The First Day of School, a tender yet poignant prelude to Consequential Tempest. As a proud member of the LGBTQ community, John uses his words and voice as a vehicle to promote equality and pride throughout the community. John has made his home for the past 20 years in Phoenix, Arizona.

Book preview

THE FIRST

DAY OF SCHOOL

JOHN MUDZYN

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THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Copyright © 2019 John Mudzyn.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-5320-6621-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5320-6611-5 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5320-6610-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019901600

iUniverse rev. date: 02/11/2019

Contents

Chapter 1: Growing Up

The First Day of School

Introductions

Stronger Bonds

Lonely Summer

Reacquainted

Chapter 2: High School

Elliott’s World

Jeff’s World

The First Game

A Mother Always Knows

The Play

Holidays

Chapter 3: High School and Reality

The Catalyst

Adjustments

Two Worlds Collide

Monday Morning

Chapter 4: The Aftermath

Elliott’s New Normal

Jeff’s New Normal

Say Goodbye to Junior Year

Graduation

Chapter 5: College: A New Beginning

The Baptism

Some Things Never Change

What the Hell Was I Thinking?

A New Boyfriend

Unexpected Changes

Acceptance and Change

Chapter 6: Exploration and Ultimatums

Rocco

Concerns and Reflection

Jeff’s Routines

Patricia’s Secrets

I Know Who You Are

Chapter 7: Life Changes

Surgery

Dad, I Love You

How Are You Doing, Kid?

Diploma in Hand

The Same Old William

A New Adventure

Moving On, More Changes

One Last Look

Chapter 8: It’s a Small World

OMG—It’s Him!

In Plain Sight, Yet No One Cares

The Education Secretary

Nigel

The Fork in the Road

Old Friends Together Again

Chapter 9: It’s Sunday—Must Be Time for Brunch

Brunch

She Says What’s on Her Mind

Decisions

Am I Making a Mistake?

Chapter 10: An Emotional Revelation

A Bit Awkward

Let’s Talk

All or Nothing for Me

Chapter 11: Making the Pieces Fit

Heather’s Story

Chapter 12: The Night Belonged to Elliott

Back to Ohio

Getting Ready

It’s Now or Never

Chapter 13: Who is That Man in This Picture?

The Perfect Gift

Paris

Calvin

The Story

The Story of the Drawing

Goodbye

Calvin’s Gift

Jeff’s Outrage

Chapter 14: Fast Changes

Planning

Visiting Peg

Darlene, Heather, and a Trip to New York

Here We Go

Chapter 15: A Very Special Day

The Same Old William

The Shit Hits the Fan

Something Special and Personal

Chapter 16: Winter Melody

Dinner for Two?

Should I Stay?

William’s Defeat

Is Patrick Going with You?

Two Situations

Jeff Arrives

The Sun is Shining

Chapter 17: Partners Again

Patrick Again

Negotiations

Home Again

Chapter 18: The Rainbow after the Storm

You May Both Kiss Your Husband

The Reception

Chapter 19: Full Circle

A New Adventure

Realization

I didn’t realize that it happened;

All I know is that it did.

I think about all the time I wasted

Trying to keep it hid.

I thought it was over,

Gone in a flash.

Finally, I realized

For a lifetime it would last.

I didn’t realize when it happened

How gently it arrived.

So deep, so innocent, so pure—

It did indeed survive

Through tears derived from hate and shame,

Clouds of darkness, full of rain.

I thought the storm would never stop

Because I was told to deny what was in my heart.

No matter how hard I tried,

It came down to this:

The love that came so gently

Grew so strong from that kiss.

Elliott ran into the house, rushed upstairs, and jumped into the shower. He had gotten to the gym late that afternoon and didn’t realize the time. Earlier, he had made plans with three friends to spend Friday night at their favorite bar. After trying on three or four shirts, he finally decided on a yellow tank top that looked perfect with his new shorts. After all, it was still 104 degrees outside, which was typical for a late July evening in Phoenix. Elliott wanted to look good in case he met Mr. Right that night.

As he waited outside for the Uber to arrive, he texted his friends to let them know that he was on his way. The bar was already crowded when he arrived. It was a retro seventies disco night, and the bar was pulsating with Thelma Houston’s Don’t Leave Me This Way. He waited in line at the bar to buy a beer and then met up with his friends. They exchanged hugs and quickly turned their attention to an extremely sexy-looking man who was standing alone at the bar. His friends couldn’t stop looking at the guy, who seemed to know they were talking about him. Asked if he thought the guy was hot, Elliott replied that he wasn’t his type. That’s when the conversation and attention turned back to Elliott.

One of his friends said, Nobody seems to be your type.

Elliott, you’ve had three different boyfriends in the past six months, another piped up, and none of them turned out to be good enough.

Elliott just smiled and said, I guess I’ve just been waiting. I’ll know when I finally see my Mr. Right.

They ordered another round of drinks. As the server was handing Elliott his beer, Elliott’s attention turned to the door. He couldn’t quite comprehend what he was seeing. He stood there, staring toward that door.

One of his friends asked him what was wrong, but Elliott did not answer. When he began to realize what he was looking at, the bottle of beer slipped out of his hand and crashed onto the concrete floor, which caused the beer to explode in a spray of foam.

Chapter 1

Growing Up

Elliott grew up in a small, conservative, solidly Republican town in northeast Ohio. He lived with his family in a modest home on Maple Avenue. Elliott’s parents, who some called leftover hippies, owned and operated the only pizza shop in town. His parents smoked a little weed on weekends, and they were extremely lenient in raising Elliot and his older sister, Becky.

Elliott’s father, a quiet, gentle man, had inherited the pizza shop from his parents. Dan always encouraged his children to think outside the box and look past the obvious.

Elliott’s mother, an extremely outgoing woman, was the face of the restaurant. She could always be counted on to give her customers a welcome feeling and a great meal. Although her given name was Margaret, she preferred to be called Peg. She loved wearing loud-colored, loose-fitting dresses and was never seen without a white flower in her long brown hair.

Peg and Dan met at the Woodstock Music Festival. Although the Age of Aquarius had come and gone, they still believed that freedom of expression—along with open, honest discussion—was a better alternative than the, Only for me, what’s in it for me? social rhetoric that was coming from the administration in Washington.

Peg always strove to allow her children to express themselves openly—even though some of their opinions were contrary to social acceptance. Dan was more central in his political philosophy, but he fully supported Peg in going against the grain and allowing their children to think for themselves. They never imagined that this independence of thought would not be enough to help their son navigate the various storms that would blow through his young life.

The First Day of School

The summer flew by in a flash. Suddenly, it was Labor Day, and the new school year would be starting the next day. Elliott attended a small Catholic grade school and would be entering seventh grade. Becky would be a freshman at the larger public high school.

On the last day of summer, Elliott was concerned that his school uniform from the previous year would not fit him properly. He had grown considerably over the summer and was nearing six foot tall. He was not as athletic as some of his classmates, even though he looked athletic. He was self-conscious about the braces that covered his killer smile.

On an ordinary summer day, he would be at the pizza shop, helping his parents clear tables and wash dishes. Peg and Dan allowed him to take this last day of vacation off to prepare for his first day of school. Elliott begged his mom, who also had the day off, to take him to the mall to buy a new pair of pants and white shirt. Elliott wanted to look perfect on his first day of school.

While walking to school, Elliott met up with a couple of his classmates, and the three of them marched off toward the building that would be their prison for the next nine months. They wondered out loud who their teacher would be. They hoped it would not be Sister Mary Bennett, the Enforcer, as the students called her.

Arriving at school, the boys were relieved that they had dodged a bullet. Their teacher, Sister Mary Therese, was new to the school.

As Elliott entered his classroom, he noticed how young Sister Mary Therese looked. He thought that she was a way too pretty to be hidden behind that nun’s habit. He introduced himself with a handshake, found his assigned desk, and waited for the rest of the class to arrive.

When all the students were seated, Sister Mary Therese announced that a new student had recently moved to their town. She opened the door and motioned for the new student to come in. He was introduced as Jeffery. Jeffery was an extremely athletic-looking young man. He looked handsome in his new school uniform, and his dark hair was cut just right.

Jeffery’s father, William, was an up-and-coming conservative Republican who was running for Congress and needed to move into that congressional district. William rarely talked to Jeffery besides to give instructions or opinions. He tried to portray an image of conservative and moral tranquility. He insisted that his wife and son never strayed from that perception.

William was to be addressed as William—never Bill. He insisted that his son was called Jeffery and not Jeff. Jeffery’s mother, Laura, was a devoted politician’s wife, and she rarely smiled. She also had a fondness for vodka and tonics. Laura was never seen without her hair perfectly styled, and she always wore the finest fashions of the day.

Jeffery seemed quiet and intimidated. He introduced himself to the class and mentioned his passion for football. He shyly told them that he hoped to make it to the pros one day. As he walked to his desk, Elliott couldn’t stop looking at him. He became fixated on Jeffery’s piercing brown eyes, which appeared to sparkle as the sunlight from the windows shined across his face.

Sister Mary Therese excused the class a few minutes early to make sure they made it to the lunchroom on time. Elliott sat down next to his friends, and as he began to eat his lunch, he noticed Jeffery sitting alone.

Elliott asked his friends if they would move over and invite him to sit with them. Their response was typical of seventh grade boys, telling Elliott that there was no room at the table. Let the new guy sit alone.

Elliott picked up his lunch tray and walked over to the table where Jeffery was sitting. Would you mind if I sit here and join you?

Jeffery smiled and said, No, I would not mind. Please have a seat. Thanks for coming over.

Elliott introduced himself, and the two boys began to talk. At first, it was small talk. Elliott described the ins and outs of the school. He also explained who was cool and who to stay away from. As the lunch hour progressed, they forgot to eat, instead, telling each other as much as they could about themselves.

Elliott asked, Do you ever go on campaign trips with your dad?

Jeffery replied, Not often. I only have to go when my father needs another perfect family photo for the news. That is the only time he wants me around.

The two of them wanted to continue talking, but the bell rang, signaling them to head back to class.

When school ended, Jeffery waited for Elliott in the hallway. His mother was going to pick him up, and he needed to wait for her outside.

Elliott mentioned that he lived down the street and walked.

Jeffery shyly asked Elliott if he would wait with him until his mom arrived.

Elliott was more than happy and answered, Yes.

The two of them sat down on a curb and continued their conversation.

Jeffery said, I think that is way cool for you to be able to work and talk with your parents. I could never do that with my parents. They are always too busy to bother with me.

Elliott said, Would you like to hang out at the pizza shop on Friday? I would like to introduce you to my family. Also, it would be a terrific way for you to meet some classmates. Everyone hangs out there on Friday evenings.

Jeffery accepted the invitation.

As they waited for Jeffery’s mother, Elliott’s smile became brighter.

Jeffery’s eyes sparkled like diamonds in the afternoon sun.

Jeffery’s mother was an hour late, and Elliott was amazed at the new Cadillac that pulled up. He laughed out loud, comparing the car to his parents’ four-year-old Ford.

Jeffery said, My father thinks that showing off the best of everything is the only way to win an election.

Laura did not get out of the car or roll down the window. She just blew the horn. The boys waved goodbye, and the first day of school ended with the boys smiling that they have met. For reasons they did not yet understand, they both felt like they would be together for a long time. That first day of school was a good day.

Introductions

During school on Friday, Elliott and Jeffery made plans to meet up at six. The restaurant was crowded, as it always was, on Friday evening. Elliott was talking with his school friends, laughing and halfheartedly helping clear the tables.

Becky was answering the phone and writing down takeout orders. She liked the job because it allowed her to flirt with Luke, a twelfth grader who drove the delivery van on weekends. Every time Luke returned to get the next order, he would smile and tell Becky that she was the best-looking order taker in town.

Peg called Elliott over and said, What’s up tonight?

Elliott confessed that his new friend was supposed to be there that night. Mom, would it be all right if I take the night off and hang with Jeffery?

Peg smiled and said, Yes, that it will be okay, but only if you don’t act embarrassed when you introduce Jeffery to me and your father. She gave him a swat on his butt and said, Have fun, kid.

Becky overheard this conversation and said, Why do I have to work while Elliott gets the night off?

Peg looked at her, gave her a grin, and winked. That’s because you are my favorite daughter.

Becky dropped the subject.

It was well past six thirty, and Jeffery had not arrived. Elliott was disappointed. When Jeffery finally walked in, Elliott smiled and walked over to greet him. He introduced Jeffery to Peg, Dan, and Becky.

Becky looked Jeffery up and down and turned to a friend. He looks much hotter than any seventh grader I have ever known.

After a few minutes, Jeffery asked Elliott if they could go outside. I have something I need to tell you in private. My parents were fighting, and they didn’t have the time to drive me into town. My father told me that he didn’t believe that these were the proper people I should be seen with. I snuck out of the house and rode my bike here. I really wanted to be here with you tonight.

Elliott was concerned that Jeffery would be in trouble when he got home.

Jeffery said, Don’t worry about that. My father will be busy with his campaign, and my mother will probably be passed out by then. Will you please start calling me Jeff instead of Jeffery? I like that name better, but my father forbids me from using it. He always says that Jeff is not a proper way to be introduced.

Elliott was confused, but he said, Sure, sounds good to me.

Before they walked back inside, Jeff confided to Elliott that it was the first time he felt completely comfortable sharing details about his home life.

Elliott flashed his beautiful smile and said, Don’t worry. I am here for you.

Back inside, Whitney Houston’s All the Man I Need was playing.

Jeff smiled and said, I love this song.

Elliott said, I like it, but I prefer to listen to Madonna.

One of their classmates yelled, Madonna sucks.

Elliott laughed and said, It doesn’t matter. I love her.

Jeff got into a conversation with some of the boys about football, and Elliott continued his discussion about Madonna with other classmates. One by one, parents came to pick up their young teenagers. Soon, Jeff was the only one still there.

Elliott asked his mom if she would drive Jeff home.

Peg replied, It is way too dark and late to be riding that bike home. Get into the car. I will be there in a few minutes.

On the drive, another Whitney Houston song was playing on the radio.

Elliott asked Jeff if he wanted Peg to turn it up.

Jeff replied, Oh no! I don’t want to bother her. Besides, she won’t do it.

Elliott asked his mom to turn up the radio, and she reached over and cranked up the tune.

Jeff said, I can’t ever touch the radio in my parents’ car—let alone ask them to turn it up. They would just tell me to shut up. My street is coming up on the right. Be careful because the street sign is difficult to see at night.

Jeff lived in the affluent part of town with large houses and impeccably manicured lawns.

When they arrived, there were several cars in the driveway.

Peg asked, Why are all those people here at this late hour?

Jeff said, I guess they are working on my father’s campaign. They won’t even notice me walking in. He thanked Peg for the ride home.

She told him that he was welcome anytime to their home and restaurant. But if you hang around too much, I may put you to work.

Jeff smiled. I would like that very much.

On their way back home, Peg said, We like Jeff, but be careful because his family is in a different league. It appears that Jeff has some serious issues going on at home.

Elliott said, I think Jeff is lonely and needs a good friend. I feel good when we are together, and I want to be that friend. By the way, Mom, thanks for driving Jeff home.

Peg smiled and said, No problem.

Stronger Bonds

As the school year progressed, Elliott and Jeff became as close as friends could be. Rarely would you see one without the other. Even though they came from worlds apart, they had a lot in common. Both had started first grade a year late. Two weeks before the start of first grade, Elliott fell out of a tree and sustained a serious concussion. Peg and Dan, after consulting with the doctors, decided to keep him out of school until the start of the next school year. Jeff started first grade a year late because William thought it would be beneficial to hold him back so that he would be older and more mature and stand out from the rest of the class. They often joked that by the middle of their senior year, they would be eighteen and the older statesmen of their class.

Jeff was turning into an extremely handsome young man. Puberty had also been good to Elliott. He had stopped growing at six feet. His braces had finally come off, which resulted in an even brighter smile.

Jeff’s father was elected to Congress in the fall and started spending more of his time in Washington. Because Jeff was in school, his mother only traveled to DC on weekends and school holidays.

Jeff hated those trips. He often confided to Elliott that he wished his father had lost the election. These trips take me away from my friends when they are all hanging out and having fun on weekends.

One day, Jeff took a chance and asked his father if he could stay at Elliott’s home for the weekend.

William vetoed the idea immediately and said, You need to begin cultivating new friendships in Washington. That will be the only way for you to get ahead in life.

Jeff said, You could have just said no.

Before his father could respond, he was summoned to a phone call and walked away. Politics always took priority over Jeff’s needs. He was beginning to understand that it would always be that way.

When Jeff was in Washington, his parents always paraded him around. It was as if they needed to convince everyone that they had the perfect American son. They insisted that he attend all political gatherings and parties with them.

At one gathering, William introduced him to the crowd. This is Jeffery, my up-and-coming football hero son and future congressman.

Jeff wanted to walk out of that room, but he smiled and answered as he was instructed to do. The longer those trips continued, the more he missed Elliott.

Willian never stopped telling Jeff that Washington was where he needed to be for his own good.

Laura never intervened, and she focused on being the proper congressional wife.

At a boring party, Jeff found an empty office and called Elliott. They talked for quite a while, and Jeff told Elliott how all the food was horrible and how phony everyone was.

William walked in and demanded to know who Jeff was speaking to.

Jeff knew that his father didn’t like Elliott, and he said he was talking to a classmate about football.

Perfect. I thought you were talking to that little brat Elliott. I don’t understand why you want his kind for a friend. I would prefer that you don’t hang around him anymore.

When his father left the room, Jeff said, I miss you.

Elliott said, I feel the same. I also miss hanging around with you.

Neither one yet understood what it was, but they liked the way saying it made them feel.

Lonely Summer

As the school year was nearing the end, the boys had to face the reality that Jeff would be in Washington for the next three months.

William continued his daily harassment. I don’t know why you want a friendship with that little brat. He and his family are not people who can help you advance in society. You need to make friends here in Washington. William arranged for Jeff to join a summer football team at an upscale private school.

Jeff was somewhat happy to be able to play the game he deeply loved, but