Something Like Stories - Volume One (Something Like..., #7)

by Jay Bell

“Wait! What if they leave while I’m sleeping?” “That’s not what angels do.” “How do you know?” Gina stood, lifting the sheets so that he would lie down. Then she tucked in the covers around him all the way up to his neck. “In this life, you can either believe the good things, or you can believe the bad. It’s really up to you, but I promise that one will make you happier than the other. So are you going to believe that the storm can hurt you, or are you going to believe that the angels will keep you safe?” “The angels,” Eric said. “That’s my little man. Should I leave the light on?”

“You knew.” Eric marched up the long drive to a palatial house, which only made him angrier because the wealth that financed this home wouldn’t exist if not for him. And this is how he was repaid? He should tear it all down, brick by brick! Or just rip the owner to pieces. Marcello must have installed the new security system he’d been talking about because he was standing outside the front door when Eric reached it, unshakeable as always, even though Eric was clearly enraged. “You knew!” he repeated. Marcello raised his hands, showing his palms. “I suspected, and when I asked Gabriel the truth, he confessed his feelings. That’s when I—” “What?” Eric snarled. “Bragged about your own exploits? Encouraged him to live the way you do? I hate you!” Eric wanted to punch Marcello, slam that serene face with a fist just to see his expression shift. He wasn’t a violent man. Eric had purged himself of that during the war. Still, he couldn’t help lashing out. He pounded his fists against Marcello’s chest, growling in an effort to hold himself back. Marcello allowed himself to be pummeled briefly, then grabbed Eric’s wrists with surprising ease and clenched them tight. All that weight gave him an advantage. Eric squirmed against his grasp, unable to pull free. “I told Gabriel he was making a mistake,” Marcello said, “that he would spend the rest of his life regretting the day he lost you. I have no doubt that he will. It pains me to learn, from your reaction, that he didn’t take my adv...

Eric returned from the realm of hazy memory to find a hand on his own. Like the hug from Marcello so long ago, the grip was almost painful in its strength, but the reassurance it gave mattered more. Tears were on Tim’s cheeks and his jaw kept flexing. “I don’t want to lose you,” he croaked. “He was an idiot to walk away.” Eric managed a smile. “I’m glad he did. If Gabriel hadn’t left me, my friendship with Marcello wouldn’t have become as close as it did. Even more unthinkable, I might not have met you.” But Eric wasn’t entirely pleased with the way things had worked out. Gabriel should be the one sitting at this deathbed, having already suffered through the experience twice before. He had no more innocence to lose. Tim’s greatest problems involved accepting himself and getting over his failed relationships. Challenging, but nothing like looking death in the eye. That was a rite of passage everyone faced, and life was never quite the same afterwards. Eric hated putting Tim through that. Of all the things he sometimes dreamed they could be to each other, he had never wanted this. “I’m tired,” he said truthfully. Tim didn’t move. “Do you need a drink? More medicine? Maybe we should—” “There’s nothing more I need,” he interrupted gently. “Except maybe to see that painting. Show it to me.” “I’m not done yet.” Eric slid his hand free so he could pat Tim’s. “Then you better get to work.” Tim rose and returned to his canvas. Eric closed his eyes and tried to sleep, but he still f...

“Wanna go for a walk?” Ben looked up in surprise at the offer. Jace’s expression was pensive. Perhaps because it had been another full day. Michelle and Greg had come searching for Emma once they noticed her missing, bringing the two boys with them. Greg’s parents stopped by soon with food. After hours of conversation and eating, all Ben wanted to do was bask in the silence now that everyone had gone. The house was finally quiet. Even the television was off. All he could hear were the sounds of whisky on ice and the occasional turning of a magazine page as Jace’s parents unwound. Ben was playing on his laptop, but his boyfriend’s eyes were hopeful and waiting for an answer. “Okay. Let’s go.” The sun was already setting as they walked down to the lake. Ben imagined they would sit on the dock and listen to the sounds of nature. Instead they skirted around the water’s edge and entered the woods. “Do you know where we’re going?” Ben asked, blinking in the increasing gloom. “Of course,” Jace said. “Don’t worry. You’re safe with me. I won’t let any bears get you.” “Ha!” Ben walked a few more steps, then glanced behind him when he heard the underbrush rustling. “There aren’t any bears in Missouri. Are there?” “Only one way to find out.” Jace seemed confident, never hesitating as he guided them deeper into the woods. Eventually they reached a clearing, the open sky above them burnt orange, the first stars already twinkling from trillions of miles away. Jace walked slower, as if in...

The car was blissfully silent as they drove through Warrensburg, neither of them speaking until they reached the city limits. “Funny how these visits work,” Jace said. “We have our own lives now, but whenever we want, we can return home and rediscover the past. Like a museum where most of the exhibits are broken, dusty, or straight-up missing, but there’s still enough there to remind you of how it used to be. Once it gets too painful or boring, you get to leave it all behind again.” “Not all of it,” Ben said mysteriously. He didn’t clarify, not even when Jace shot him a questioning expression. In one corner of his suitcase was an old shoe box. In it rested a wooden lion, a notebook, some photos, and a battered Zippo lighter. They were taking Victor home with them. A little piece of him, anyway. He hoped Jace would discover the box someday and feel glad about it. Until then, Ben would set it next to a box of his own, one that also held trinkets belonging to a dusty corner of his heart. “So you liked my parents?” Jace asked. “They didn’t drive you crazy?” “I love them! Your whole family, actually. I wouldn’t mind becoming an official member.” Ben cleared his throat. “Somehow.” Jace grinned. “Why does everyone keep talking about marriage? We’ve got a few adventures left before that happens. Open the glove box.” Now it was Ben’s turn to look puzzled. “Go on,” Jace prompted. “Otherwise I’ll forget they’re in there, and someone from the rental company will get a paid trip to… Yo...

A lonely flight. Then a rental car, the interior silent. GPS and a map were his guide now, instead of a comforting presence behind the wheel. Ben cruised down time-worn roads, passing a rickety gas station where an old man polished the glass door, his back to the street. He continued through neighborhoods filled with small homes and narrow yards, the memories that had been made there no longer spoken aloud. When Ben reached the lake he stopped, not daring to enter the subdivision where he might be recognized. He walked along the far edge of the shore where no houses were built. Overgrown brush and muddy ground made this difficult, but he pressed on. The woods were dark when he entered, more than one ghost needing to guide him if this was going to happen. If he found it, it would be a sign. If not… Ben stepped into the clearing. He wasn’t sure at first. So many years had gone by, and it had been just one hour among all the others they had shared together. He took off his backpack and carefully set it on the ground. Then he walked around the edges of the clearing, getting on his hands and knees to be sure. There it was. The broken remnants of a shelter. He walked to the center of ...

Benjamin Bentley (aka Ben) Born: October 27th 1979 Height: 5’9” Build: Slender. I’ve witnessed him pack in a ridiculous amount of carbs, none of which seem to stick. Other physical traits: His light-brown hair gets a tinge of blond in the summer, and I’ve seen those chocolaty eyes plead with me more times than I can count. I’ve always told him he’s a handsome guy, and he always denies it. Hobbies and interests: Love, boys, relationships, and trouble. Singing too. Noteworthy relatives: Jace (first husband), Tim (second husband), Jason (son), Karen (sister), Adam (father), June (mother) Motto/Quote: “It’s better to have loved and lost than… Ugh. You know what? Loss sucks, but love is eternal.” Bio: Ben is brave. He came out of the closet at fourteen. In Texas. At a time when public opinion was generally negative about gay people. When he first came out, he did so rather naively, thinking the guys he messed around with would want to do the same. For them those experiences were the product of raging hormones. For Ben it was about love. If you need further proof of his bravery, once Ben saw the negative reaction and lost friends just for asserting himself, he didn’t run back into that closet. He could have denied it or pretended he was joking. Not my Ben. He swallowed his disappointment and kept on searching. This led of course to Tim Wyman, who wasn’t nearly as resolute. Ben had another tough lesson to learn: Not only were people not accepting of him, but some people aren’t ev...

Caesar Hubbard Born: September 8th, 1989 Height: 6’ Build: Lean, but with a fair amount of muscle, which he casually flexed when he caught me looking. He also winked, but I pretended not to notice. Other physical traits: The long waves of dark hair and golden eyes are a little hard to resist. I found myself reaching for my wedding ring more than once, just to remind myself of my commitment. This man is trouble! Hobbies and interests: Wrestling, first aid, and anyone willing to give him the time of day, it would seem. Noteworthy relatives: Todd Hubbard (father), Constance Hubbard (mother), Peter (brother), Amy (sister), Carrie (sister) Motto/Quote: “Emotion robs all of us of free will, leaving us with neither options nor choices.” Bio: I have to admit to feeling puzzled after meeting Caesar. At first I thought he would be another Tim Wyman. Caesar comes from a wealthy family that expects him to meet the standards they set forth. He’s also expected to be a good sibling to the many foster children his parents take in. Despite this, he has no qualms about following his romantic impulses. In fact, I’d say that’s his greatest problem. My best friend, Ben, has always made love a priority. Caesar does too. He seems more capable of loving others than anyone I’ve met before. That might sound good on paper, but it has only brought turmoil to Caesar’s life. Ben is content when he finally finds someone willing to love him back. Mostly. Caesar… I’m just not sure. I know Jason Grant once...

Chinchilla (note: When Tim found out about this project, he insisted on writing Chinchilla’s profile. It’s hardly objective, but it did save me some work.) Born: Never ask a lady her age! Height: 13” Build: She’s my fat little sausage! Other physical traits: She’s brown and white. I think about her whenever I eat fried ice cream. Sometimes when Chinchilla is nodding off, the tip of her tongue will stick out, which totally kills me. Hobbies and interests: She lives to chase ball! Just don’t expect her to fetch. She also learned to pounce bugs from Samson, so you’ll often see her out in the yard, using her front paws to hop on stuff in the grass. I hope she doesn’t think she’s a cat! Noteworthy relatives: Tim Wyman (dad, best friend), Benjamin (step mom, ha ha!), Samson (brother cat) Motto/Quote: “Daddy gonna take me for a walk! Then he gonna rub my belly, because I’m his little princess!” Bio: Chinchilla showed up in her dad’s life at a time when he was… uh, a little misguided about how he expressed his love. The details don’t matter. She had a job to do, and that was to keep her dad from feeling sorry for himself. Mission accomplished, because every moment spent with her is pure happiness. She’s my little ray of sunshine, and I will never ever let her go. Te quiero mucho, Gordita! Chinchilla appears in: Summer, Winter, Spring, Fall, and Eternity

Eric Conroy (note: This is another profile Tim insisted on writing.) Born: April 22nd, 1944 Height: 5’6” but he sure seemed taller when feeling happy. Build: Thin, although once you saw him hauling around pans and stuff, you’d notice he had some muscle on him. Just not much. Not compared to me, at least. Other physical traits: I loved his eyes. They were always so intent, like you could tell he was really listening to you. Or just paying attention to how you were, even during those silent times we spent together. He had a way of making you feel special. His hair was charcoal grey, and this one time he talked about dyeing it, but I wouldn’t let him because it looked so dignified. I hope I’m even half that handsome when I reach his age. Hobbies and interests: He loved art. Not like people who get snotty about what’s good and what isn’t. Eric knew his stuff, but he was open-minded. Likewise when it came to cooking and his appreciation of delicacies. That never stopped him from hogging out on pizza or a bowl of Lucky Charms. Noteworthy relatives: He had a father (Mac), and a mother (Gina), and a sister, but I don’t remember her name. They weren’t real close. Motto/Quote: I can’t choose. He told me so many things that stuck with me, like how we never stop coming out, or how love never truly fades. Bio: Eric was a native Texan who had some pretty awesome parents, because they accepted him in an era when being gay wasn’t smiled upon. I thought I had it rough when I was growing up...

Jace Holden Born: April 2nd, 1973 Height: 6'2" Build: Tall and lean, but Ben assures me he had enough meat on him for some serious cuddling. Other physical traits: He looked especially dapper in an airline uniform. I always envied those high cheekbones too. Hobbies and interests: Reading biographies, eating fortune cookies, worshiping cats. Noteworthy Relatives: Michelle (sister), Serena (mother), Bob (father), Emma (niece), Ben (husband) Motto/quote: “Hold close those you love most, especially if they’re furry and grey or musical and gay.” (Ben informs me that Jace came up with this one morning and spent most of the day laughing while repeating it. A talented poet he was not!) Bio: Many people offered to write this profile, which itself is a testament to just how good a man Jace Holden was. Michelle, his sister, spoke about his upbringing in Warrensburg, Missouri, where he never got in trouble for bullying another student or for talking back to teachers. Pranks, on the other hand, or not paying attention in class because he was too busy dreaming of other places—those were the harmless sort of issues Jace had. When he met Victor Hemingway in his teen years, Jace was willing to break just about any rule to spend time with him. I’m sure that only helped cement their relationship because from what Michelle tells me, Victor disapproved of rules. That Jace willingly broke off this relationship when it became too hurtful shows great maturity. Adrian, his college boyfriend, certa...

Jason Grant Born: March 18th, 1990 Height: 5’11” Build: Extremely muscular, the handsomest guy you’ve ever seen, and tan all year round. (Jason promised to mow my lawn for free if I said this.) Other physical traits: He’s got messy hair, which is endearing, and intense eyes that drive the boys wild. And no, I wasn’t bribed to say that! Hobbies and interests: Jason loves horror movies, classic rock, and his guitar. He’s an animal nut too. Noteworthy relatives: Ben (father), Tim (father), Allison (honorary aunt) Motto/Quote: “You can choose your family. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.” Bio: Jason has been one big happy surprise for us all. Being an only child, I never expected to have nieces or nephews, or for them to be so white, but goodness do I love this boy! Jason had a rough start in life, being put into foster care at a young age. He spent most of his life bouncing from family to family, and as much as I sympathize, I’m glad this meant he eventually reached us. He fits right in. Much like Ben, who is one of his fathers, Jason is a fool for love. This manifested as unrequited crushes until he met Caesar Hubbard. When that didn’t work out, he spent years pining over the guy, just like a certain someone did with Tim. And speaking of Mr. Wyman, he’s not the only one who is prone to making tons of mistakes in the pursuit of love. Jason shares that attribute with him. They both tend to hide their feelings and rely on deceit to get what they want. That’s two bad habits,...

Kelly Phillips Born: November 22nd, 1990 Height: 6’ Build: He has a slender runner’s build that he still maintains to this day. Hm. Maybe I should get out there and run some laps. Other physical traits: Kelly was a model, but that doesn’t tell you much. Female models fit into a fairly generic template, but male models get the job because of something exceptional about their appearance. In Kelly’s case, I think it’s the way he can cut through the air with a razor sharp stare, or make a sneer seem like the sexiest expression in the world. The boy has fiery passion and it shows. Hobbies and interests: Photography, competitive sports, and travelling. Noteworthy relatives: Royal (brother), Laisha (mother), Doug (father) Motto/Quote: “When anger stops serving a purpose, it’s time to start forgiving, beginning with yourself.” Bio: Some of my clients I like so much that I feel guilty for charging them. Kelly is chief among these. I met him when he was a troubled teenager on the verge of a serious drug addiction. He was also suffering from post traumatic stress due to a horrific accident. Most of all, he was angry. That can be beneficial when appropriately directed, but not in this case. Kelly, despite how comfortable he is with expressing his frustration (vehemently at times), is an extremely self-reliant person. If he has a problem with someone else, he expects no one but him to fix it. This usually means driving them away with sharp words, or torturing himself trying to find an...

Marcello Maltese: Ah, excellent. Are you recording? Allison: Yes, although just focus on talking to me. I’ll extract all the relevant information later on. Marcello: Extract? This isn’t an interview? Allison: No. I’m writing profiles on all the people who— Marcello: If it’s profiling you want, you might as well contact the police or any number of intelligence agencies. They’ve already done the work for you. Allison: Ha! Wait, you’re not kidding, are you? Marcello: I’m the most solemn person you’ll ever meet. Now if you don’t mind, there is much that demands my attention. Allison: Wait! Would you be willing to do an interview instead? Marcello: I thought you’d never ask. First question, please. Allison: Okay. Um… When were you born? Marcello: Next question, please. Allison: Seriously? I need to know this. Everyone else has answered. Marcello: Although I do not employ it often, I am not beyond discretion. Allison: I could contact the DMV, if you would prefer. I have a client who works there, and they owe me a favor. I’m sure they could provide me with your date of birth. Then I’ll publish it for everyone to see. Marcello: Fine, fine. If you must know, my fiftieth is coming up soon. Oh how I dread it! Allison: That’s funny, because I’ve been to one of your birthday parties, and if I recall, that was supposed to be your fiftieth. Marcello: Ah yes! Roughly ten years ago, wasn’t it? Allison: Exactly. Marcello: Then you must be mistaken and attended my fortieth. Numbers don’t li...

Samson Born: October 2nd, 1995 Height: 9” Build: He always looked a little chunky to me, but it’s never a good idea to tell a pet owner that their animal is overweight. They’re blind to the facts and will respond as if you’re being cruel. Other physical traits: He was definitely cute. Grey fur and orange eyes. Hobbies and interests: He’s a cat. They just eat and sleep. Right? I’ve never had one, so I don’t know. Noteworthy relatives: Jace (father) Motto/Quote: “Meow! Purrr purrr purrr.” Geez. I can’t believe I just wrote that! Bio: (note: Ben felt the below poem would be most appropriate here. He found it tucked away in one of Jace’s books, in his handwriting. Ben also made sure to point out that Jace never wrote him a poem, but he’s trying not to take it personally.) Ode to a Cat by Jace Holden Always claiming the best seat, a furry self-crowned king, Always sleeping until I need rest, then suddenly demanding. Playing hissing jumping, leaping clawing thumping. Then to the litter box, stinky smells and gleeful kicking. No need for restraint, father will do all the sweeping! Why do I put up with such abuse, you thoughtless creature with no use? That’s it, I’m finished, I’m through! There will be no more me and you! Then gentle feet pad across the floor, one brief hop into my lap for more. This time love, a tickle behind the ear. Oh how I love when you are near! Rest assured, my purring little friend, for you and me there is no end. You’re my son and I your dad, your kneadin...

Tim Wyman Born: August 24th, 1979 Height: 6’ Build: He’s got muscles, and boy am I tired of hearing about them. Other physical traits: What Ben calls a winner’s smile, I call a shit-eating grin. One thing we agree on—those silver eyes are out of this world! Hobbies and interests: Painting, jogging, homewrecking. Ha! I kid, I kid… Noteworthy relatives: Ben (husband), Jason (son), Ella (mother), Thomas (father), Nana (grandmother) Motto/Quote: “First impressions and second chances? If you keep ruining those, then it’s time to take a long hard look in the mirror.” Bio: I like Tim. Let’s get that out of the way because I flip-flopped so many times over the years. When he first met Ben, I was wary but also happy for my friend. I saw Tim making an effort, despite still being in the closet, and I was won over completely right about the time he ruined it all. I wasn’t thrilled to meet him again in college, and I did my best to keep Ben and Tim apart. Was I wrong? It might seem like it now, but things were complicated back then because whenever Tim got near Ben, he made a mess. Then came a dark time in all our lives, but especially so for Ben. A shadow hung over him for years, and things got bad enough that while I was browsing through old photos, I saw one of Ben looking happy and realized than it had been ages since I’d seen him smile. Tim was in this photo too, lying on the same bed that Ben was perched on, and even though Ben was looking at the camera—at me—I knew the real reas...

Victor Hemingway (note: Star Courtney did finally respond to my messages, and despite being nice, she’s just as guarded about her past as her son is about his. I was only able to add a few basic facts to her profile above, but while speaking with her, I took the chance to mention the other people from Warrensburg. She reacted strongest to Victor’s name and agreed to write down her thoughts about him. What you see below is the result.) Born: March, 13th, 1972 Height: 5’9” Build: Victor had little respect for regular mealtimes and rarely seemed concerned about food, so it was a miracle he weighed anything at all. Other physical traits: He had mismatched eyes, one green and one brown. I thought I was mistaken when I first noticed them, but when I brushed his hair aside—it was longer back then, and without thinking, I just reached out, the tips of my fingers bumping against his forehead before I swept his bangs back, just so I could see better. That was the first time I ever touched him, and I don’t care how ridiculous it sounds, I knew then we were meant to be together. In retrospect, maybe I was wrong. Hobbies and interests: I’m tempted to say “debating” and leave it at that because Victor was the most contrary person I ever met. He loved ideas, and his favorite way of exploring them was to argue every little point. Noteworthy relatives: His mother’s name was Rachel. He also had a cousin named Donny, who must have come from somewhere. I’m afraid that’s all I know. Motto/Quot...

William Townson Born: September 30th, 1990 Height: 6’1” Build: He might be in the Coast Guard, but he sure has the body of a Marine! Other physical traits: Just picture the ultimate Boy Scout. If you need more than that, imagine a blond guy with green eyes who swims all the time. Now take away the tan, because this boy is always pale. Hobbies and interests: Swimming, and something called the Beast Wars. Is that like the Pokémon? I should ask Davis. He would probably know. Oh, and you would think a sailor would be good at cards, or maybe I’m getting better because I totally robbed William blind over a game of poker the other night. Noteworthy relatives: n/a Motto/Quote: “Deny the darkness inside yourself or face it head on. Either way you’ll find yourself haunted by it.” Bio: I heard about William long before I met him. Mostly from Kelly, who spent many sessions on my couch trying to make sense of their relationship. I can’t say I got the best impression of William then. Kelly had plenty of good things to say about him, but reading between the lines is part of my job. When they decided to go their separate ways, it didn’t take long before another guy was heartbroken over him—this time my nephew Jason. Once, before he moved out on his own, I found Jason sitting out by the pool. He was fully dressed, sitting cross-legged and perched on the very edge like he intended to plunge in and needed to work up the courage. He wasn’t even dangling his feet in the water, so I asked him w...

Zero (note: All I was given was a name and a point of contact. The following is a transcript of the telephone conversation.) Allison: Hi, Nathaniel. Thanks for taking another of my calls. What can you tell me about this Zero person? Nathaniel: Seriously? Allison: Yes. Nathaniel: He’s a dog. Allison: Oh. Nathaniel: Why are you profiling animals? I thought you were a therapist, not a vet. Allison: I’m just running down the list I was given. So anyway, when was he born? How tall is he? Nathaniel: He’s a dog. Allison: We’ve established that. Do you always have to be such a grump? Nathaniel: How would you react if someone called you and started asking about your pets? Allison: I don’t have any pets. My son Davis goes feral at times, so I suppose that’s close. And if someone called to ask about him and I knew they weren’t some creep, I’d be happy to talk because I love him. Nathaniel: I love Zero. A lot. You wouldn’t believe how much. Allison: More than you love Kelly? Nathaniel: Heh. Ummm… I don’t have to answer that, do I? Allison: Give me a little more on Zero, and Kelly will never hear about this. Nathaniel: He’s a Siberian Husky, and at one point in my life, he had the unenviable...