A Dream Apart
"It's funny how you can tell when people are in love."
-Ray Milland
DIAL M FOR MURDER, 1954 Classic Hitchcock Film
It was only a few days ago (November 23, 2010) that my longtime partner, Alan, found two cards that I had written to him on October 5, 1998 (a little over 12 years ago). It was fun when Alan read them aloud recently:
October 5, 1998
Monday, 12:50PM
Dear Alan,
Obviously, the reasons I chose this card are quite clear. The words I would have expressed are ALREADY imprints on this card (I love the time we spend TOGETHER...especially our time ALONE).
We just experienced a 3-day adventure in Amsterdam, Holland. I truly enjoyed myself. I can't Thank You enough for doing all of the planning you did. The Amstel Intercontinental was simply Presidential and suitable for royalty. Sometimes I feel we are in fact, ROYAL in nature, my dear Sir Alan!
You sure did an excellent job driving from Amsterdam to Brussels, Belgium in just two hours or so. You are my hero. I could never have done that---even if the cars in Europe were available in automatic versus 'stick shift'. You're so talented in many ways!
Well, our next stop is a former vacation getaway estate of J. Paul Getty in the outskirts of Rome called Poste La Vecchia. I'm sure that will be true luxury and relaxation.
If I don't say it often enough—allow me to write it: I do appreciate you. I do Love You. And if allowed--I will tell you the three things that stick in my mind about Amsterdam that I enjoyed with you. The three things are really simple events, not a fancy dinner or a special gift but…
1. Our walks amidst the Amsterdam Canals side by side
2. Holding you close during our naps and/or 'good nights' like so….
(PHOTO on front of Card):
3. Watching you and me fiddle over smoking two 'super skunk' joints at 'The Other Side Café' and creating a "BONFIRE" after getting fed up with the lighting of all of those matches.
Well, my best-friend and lover---
What new adventures are forthcoming?
Love You,
Michael
Enclosed in this card was a postcard.
PHOTO: "A Dream", The Postcard
I wrote:
"A Dream", a short story by Michael J. Armijo
I couldn't sleep during the HEAT of the night, so I went for a snack in the kitchenette in my Calvin Klein underwear and V-neck T-shirt. I simply peeled an orange, craving some Vitamin C. Here I was after two weeks on the Island of Capri, off the coast of Naples (Napoli), Italy; so tan and hot. The orange did not completely absorb the craving I needed. It was a HOT summer. Even the Concierge told us it was unusually HOT this year. It's no wonder I had a complete tan after the first week on the island.
The "us" I refer to is me, Michael, and my lover, Alan. After tossing my orange peels into the trash I heard a noise. I know I must have awoken Alan. He will be mad at me for making the kitchenette and faucet-running noises. I sat at the nearby table of antique wood and pulled up my V-nect T-shirt to disguise/hide myself when Alan walked in to the kitchenette. My lover looked at me and did not yell after all. Instead, he reached out his hand…and I WOKE UP.
Twenty-five years ago today
December 2, 1985
Monday
Today was Cindy Chow's 'celebrate her Birthday' Day; yet, no one (hardly) was present in our office Section today. Margaret Lai had the day off (and so did our supervisor, Stephanie Bautista).
I had a good sales day.
Bella, a customer, offered me a free haircut tomorrow night. I may take her up on it. Why not?
I ate at Carl's Jr., today, after a quick visit for money at the bank. I laughed to myself occasionally as I thought of Chad and our just plain being together. I flashed back to being with him and our silly festivities.
After work I went home and made a tape copy of my Muscle Motion Aerobics for Chad. I worked out to the aerobics tape. I was soon out the door and on my way to the gym. I returned home by 9:25PM.
Leonardo called me.
"I've been to the gym on Monday, Wednesday and Friday lately—but I must be going earlier than you," Leonard announced proudly.
"I think so because I must be missing you by minutes. I do go a little bit later now."
"So, what have you been up to?"
"Oh, the usual…I spent Thanksgiving with my family."
I didn't mention Chad though. I may talk about it the next time. He knows Chad but Leonard had previously stated, "I've talked to him a little and left it at that…"
I wonder if there's an inside-story. Whatever--it doesn't matter now as it is MJA and CMG now.
I had some juice before bedtime. I took a brief peek at 'The John and Yoko: A LOVE STORY' movie.
I awoke with a dream at 3:15AM. Who remembers the dream now? Surprisingly, it was difficult for me to return to sleep.
The question always exists in our world, does it not? Is anyone safe? Is any relationship without danger? Are we not often hurt the most by those we love and respect more than those we hate and fear?
--John Katzenbach
THE ANALYST
