YA LGBT Books discussion
Tales told - a.k.a free reads
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Group Profile Picture Short Story Challenge
message 51:
by
Kit Orellana
(new)
Oct 15, 2011 08:38PM
Aww, so sweet!
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Seriously Sammy... It's freakin awesome little read!!
Kit wrote: "I think I might give it a shot too. I think I'm a mediumish-decent writer. I just have to write a scholarship essay first"Kit, I am so sorry. I did not mean to leave you out. I should have said, "you college people." Forgive me, please. We NEED your story, too. So did u choose from which p.o.v. to write the story?
It's okay, I didn't see it like that. Besides, you've never read my writing. And I'm actually still in highschool. I just missed the deadline
Kaje wrote: "Scylar wrote: "Ok, ok. This is getting fun, now. So Byron, see what you did? By stepping up to the plate, you made Kaje, who was lounging on the sofa eating Chips Ahoy cookies, biting off the litt..."Hey, Kaje. It's so easy to spy since I replaced your dog with my robo dog.
Kit wrote: "Sweet! I just bought some Toffifay at the store. And I have a CD of what I call "study music". I think I'll have to try that"I want some candy. Give me that candy. What is your type of study music, Kit? Good Charlotte? Green Day? Nirvana?
Sammy2006 wrote: "Well, this is probably more of a blurb than a story--but how could I resist that fabulous picture!David Mitchum hated school. His entire junior year had morphed into an exhausting game of hide ..."
Wo! Double Wo! Sammy, that is superb! I have to keep rereading. It's such a perfect description of that picture. Now that's not fair. I wanna take mine back and get a do-over.
Lol, nooo. It's too delicious!My CD has lots of stuff on it. Celtic, piano versions of popular songs today, stuff from movie scores, church songs... None of it has words though
Kit wrote: "Lol, nooo. It's too delicious!My CD has lots of stuff on it. Celtic, piano versions of popular songs today, stuff from movie scores, church songs... None of it has words though"
Cool. Enough to calm you down to work level. Now give me that candy!
Sammy, that was awesome. All the stories have been.
Kaje wrote: "OK, Scylar, here's mine:He's so serious, right? I mean, I get that a high-school junior has to study and make the grades. And Drew's family isn't rich. He's scrambling for scholarship money. ..."
AWWWWWW... that is so sweet... seriously... I love it :) <3
Kaje wrote: "OK, Scylar, here's mine:He's so serious, right? I mean, I get that a high-school junior has to study and make the grades. And Drew's family isn't rich. He's scrambling for scholarship money. ..."
Oh Kaje, this is just too funny--I had not read any of the other stories on this thread before writing and posting mine. We chose the same name--too funny!!! Such a small, small world!
Scylar wrote: "Hey, Kaje. It's so easy to spy since I replaced your dog with my robo dog. ..."In that case, tell your robo dog to quit begging for food every time he hears me take the thumb drive out of the computer. No matter how quietly I ease it out, he hears it and figures I'm getting up. Which means begging time. You overdid the super-hearing and the big brown eyes IMHO. Reprogram please.
Sammy2006 wrote: "Oh Kaje, this is just too funny--I had not read any of the other stories on this thread before writing and posting mine. We chose the same name--too funny!!! Such a small, small world! ..."Yeah, same name, opposite characters. It threw me for just a minute as I started yours, but it's a pretty funny coincidence. And I love your story - a great fit for the picture. All of the stories are sweet. I think it's that smile in the second one. So much helpless happy affection there.
I hope we get more stories. I swear I won't go all ballistic ever again! I promise! Really!
Hey guys i've written a story... not sure if it'll be any good (haven't proof read or anything so beware...) besides it's a little long XD hahaha feel free to comment... I haven't written in over 2 years... haha
"Speechless"Glancing down at the half eaten salad on the grubby cafeteria table, I absently toy with a stray piece of lettuce and just watch as the cacophonous world passes me by. I’ve always loved to watch - and before you get any bad ideas, no I’m not one of those greasy, middle aged history teachers that unabashedly drools at the first sight of cleavage (they’re at the next table over). The name’s Jake Maddox and not only am I a senior here at Hillcrest High, I’ve never really had any interest in cleavage. Not that I haven’t tried of course, I mean, I think most guys when they figure out they’re gay in highschool don’t rebel against the institution, they rebel against themselves. Against whatever it is inside them that makes them different. I may not be a “normal” kid, but after years of people watching, I have learned a thing or two, and having people know I’m gay would only undo the years of hard work it’s taken for me to blend into the scenery.
Initially, I didn’t ask to become invisible… I was excited for a new start at a new school… Somewhere I could forget the past and focus on building myself a future. But after the first couple of days, the novelty of “the boy who doesn’t talk” wore off, and I was seen for what I really was – a freak. And I’m okay with that, because in my books I’d rather be left alone and ignored than abused day in and day out. I wanted to interact with them, I really did - and if I’m honest with myself, I still do… but letting people in is dangerous, and that’s a risk I can’t afford to take again. So here I sit, left to my own devices with the cheap plastic seats and table top stained with god knows what - my only company, the dark storm cloud intent on pissing on my parade… great.
There’s something odd about today though. Usually, I just sit up the back, with my perfect view of the cafeteria and observe the same things day in and day out. I expect to see Cindy and Ryan (our school’s power couple so affectionately dubbed “cyrin”) making out at the centre table; usually you would find Steph and the rest of the cheerleaders hanging off of Brett’s every word (would it surprise you that he’s the quarterback? Didn’t think so); and although not many people seem to notice him, Ethan, the class clown, sits with his friends looking utterly miserable.
Just between you and me – Ethan’s amazing… Not just his curly, chestnut brown hair, or his penetrating deep brown eyes - he’s a genuinely nice guy… It’s at lunches, when I have the time to watch him out of the classroom that I can really see him. Except for now that is – because he’s not there. Thoughts race through my mind like headless chickens: Is he sick? Is he wagging? What if he’s realised I keep an eye on him? What if something’s happened to him? A morbid thought, I know, but It’s just now that I’ve come to realise how dependent I’ve become on seeing him there every day, when I feel like walking over to see what’s wrong… Although we’ve never really had a conversation, I think I’d be devastated if I couldn’t at least see him…
I freeze. There’s really something wrong. Warm breath greets the nape of my neck and I instinctively lash out at whatever it is. My elbow connects with soft flesh and a noise of protest accompanies the sharp jab. Turning around I’m horrified to see Ethan standing there holding his stomach, with a sheepish look on his face along with a crimson blush. He looks adorable. I must look white as a ghost – omg, I just attacked possibly the only guy in this godforsaken hole that I actually like… I’m lost for words. What a surprise. So my mouth just kind of hangs there, complete with little hitching motions that I’m sure make me look like one of the three stooges. I sit back down and continue to play with the lettuce – only now it’s more like tearing than toying.
To my surprise, and intense relief, Ethan sits down on my left. An uncomfortable, awkwardly long silence prevails. What is he doing here? He doesn’t look so despondamt… I mean, it couldn’t be me, and it couldn’t be because I just socked him one in the gut - unless he likes it rough. Wow. I did not just think that. Look to the front. Breathe. Breathe. That’s right, deep breaths Jake… I can feel my heart racing in my chest and hear the blood pumping through my ears. Calm thoughts.
Through the immense noise of the cafeteria, a voice whispers uncertainly in my ear “Hi… I don’t know if you know me, but I’m Ethan. We took calculus together a couple of years ago” he remembers that? “I see you sitting alone over here all the time” he continues “but I’ve never really had the courage to come over and say hi…” by now all I can register is him. There is no cafeteria, and his soft whispers caress my cheek so gently it’s painful. I slowly turn my head to face him and utter the first words I’ve spoken within these walls “hello.” A smile instantly spreads across his face and transforms his features from beautiful to stunning… “I know who you are, I see you here every day and I’ve wanted so badly to talk to you” by now, I couldn’t care less if I’m giving too much of myself away – I can tell he’s worth it. “I’ve always wanted to ask so badly why you’re so confident in classes, but at lunches, you transform into someone completely different… “ I trail off scared that I’ve crossed the line and offended him, but he just continues to stare at me. I could get lost in the depths of those eyes, or burnt under the intensity of his stare.
Turning to face forward again, I promise myself I won’t bother him with silly questions. A pressure builds in my chest and extends its reach to the base of my throat... I can feel the rejection coming, but I can already tell Ethan isn’t angry – not like the last guy I spoke to. He isn’t psychopathic… not like the guy who started all this – the big guy, with his big friends and a strong grip on my throat.
A hand reaches its way around the back of my neck and I tense for the imminent blow, but I’m truly left speechless when Ethan leans in, bridging the gap between us and plants his soft, red lips against mine. I’m making little sounds. Damn. Did I just moan? It’s okay I tell myself, it’s so packed in here that no-one will notice us. All I can hear is the sounds of lips upon wet lips and the cute little noises Ethan’s making and the way they sound merged with mine. We break apart and stare at each other.
I feel like he's speaking right into my soul as he states "the guy i've liked for so long has been all alone, and for so long I could have changed that... I could have been there. That's why I'm a different person. I've wanted you for so long, but i've never had the courage to do anything about it." By now i'm on the brink of tears and I feel like nothing can come between us.
Silence. No, wait... pretty sure I just heard a cough and maybe a gasp or two.... ah crap.
We both look around the room as astonished faces greet us. Embarrassed, the blush returns to Ethan’s cheeks as he grabs my hand, leading me out of the lunch room. Where we’re headed I have no idea, but I know that one moment has just changed my life for the better – I’m finally getting to build that future.
Behind us, silence still reigns, but as we reach the exits, a deafening applause echoes throughout the empty halls towards us… and the tears start rolling.
John wrote: "Glancing down at the half eaten salad on the grubby cafeteria table, I absently toy with a stray piece of lettuce and just watch as the cacophonous world passes me by. I’ve always loved to watch - ..."WOW! You should seriously be writing. That was incredible. Really, really good. You should be proud of that. Seriously, you should be writing more!!
DAMN IT! hahaha just read through it and realised I've left a whole bit out! XD hahahahaha just a sec.I think that might be better :S hmmm... :P
John wrote: "Glancing down at the half eaten salad on the grubby cafeteria table, I absently toy with a stray piece of lettuce and just watch as the cacophonous world passes me by. I’ve always loved to watch - ..."I have no writing ability whatsoever, but I do know what I like to read, and I really like what you wrote. Just had to tell you again, cuz I didn't know you could write like that.
Good stuff!
haha thanks man :P I used to love writing, but since I left school and realised at uni you actually have to do work I haven't had the time :P haha When I told my english teacher I wasn't going to become a journalist and was swapping to the sciences, I was put on her black list XD hahaha
John wrote: "haha thanks man :P I used to love writing, but since I left school and realised at uni you actually have to do work I haven't had the time :P haha When I told my english teacher I wasn't going ..."
Haha, I can see why she was pissed:P. You should totally write more.
OMG!!!! Is this group full or writers or WHAT!!!!!!!! Well written John!!! Take a bow..
OMG.. and your another Aussie too... how freakin awesome are we??? :p
LOL, that's the firt thing i've ever put on the net... or showed to anyone other than a teacher :Phahaha thanks Byron, it's true... Aussies are the best (no offence Jordie - Australia would love to have you! haha)
John wrote: "LOL, that's the firt thing i've ever put on the net... or showed to anyone other than a teacher :Phahaha thanks Byron, it's true... Aussies are the best (no offence Jordie - Australia would lov..."
Not offended at all:D.
John wrote: "LOL, that's the firt thing i've ever put on the net... or showed to anyone other than a teacher :P ..."Well you damned well better not make it the last. Seriously, you paint such a vivid picture with words. Even if it's not where your focus is these days, keep writing. You never know. (I spent 30 years in the sciences before publishing fiction. The two are not incompatible.) Thanks for brightening my morning!
John wrote: ""Speechless"Glancing down at the half eaten salad on the grubby cafeteria table, I absently toy with a stray piece of lettuce and just watch as the cacophonous world passes me by. I’ve always l..."
Absolutely. Loved. This.
John wrote: ""Speechless"Glancing down at the half eaten salad on the grubby cafeteria table, I absently toy with a stray piece of lettuce and just watch as the cacophonous world passes me by. I’ve always l..."
Now, BJ, I am totally blown away. So much more to say, but have to drive 400 more miles. Will comment later tonight. Sweet!
Jordie.R wrote: "John wrote: "Glancing down at the half eaten salad on the grubby cafeteria table, I absently toy with a stray piece of lettuce and just watch as the cacophonous world passes me by. I’ve always love..."Hey, Jordie. Sit there quietly Until u remember the image of that guy sitting there all alone. U know the guy. U see one everyday. Then imagine a cool way to make up some excuse to run into him. The story will just come to u if u sit quietly and dream of that guy. It's your assignment. Now I'm gonna miss my delivery appt tomorrow if don't hit the road.
Meagan wrote: "I'm still transcribing and editing my story from my composition notebook. I think I went through 3 edits already. I'm about 30% done writing about Tonio and Seemi."..."
Looking forward to it, but take your time and have fun with your guys. I like the names - unusual (and not Drew :)
Scylar wrote: "Jordie.R wrote: "John wrote: "Glancing down at the half eaten salad on the grubby cafeteria table, I absently toy with a stray piece of lettuce and just watch as the cacophonous world passes me by...."Thanks Scylar, but I'm really not a writer, and I don't have any desire to write, but I love to read and that's why have all of you guys! You keep writing and I'll read it:).
John wrote: ""Speechless"Glancing down at the half eaten salad on the grubby cafeteria table, I absently toy with a stray piece of lettuce and just watch as the cacophonous world passes me by. I’ve always l..."
Stunning--really John just stunning--and honestly "Cryin"--LMAO--does every high school have on of those couples??? I must agree with Kaje--the imagery--I felt swept in--so visceral--I was back high school for a moment--seeing your guy Jake across the crowded cafeteria--OMG--write, young man, write!
John wrote: ""Speechless"
Glancing down at the half eaten salad on the grubby cafeteria table, I absently toy with a stray piece of lettuce and just watch as the cacophonous world passes me by. I’ve always l..."
Fantastic! You know I already cried this morning when I read it. Just wanted to come and check it out here too!
You're a brilliant boy :O) XOXOXOXO
Glancing down at the half eaten salad on the grubby cafeteria table, I absently toy with a stray piece of lettuce and just watch as the cacophonous world passes me by. I’ve always l..."
Fantastic! You know I already cried this morning when I read it. Just wanted to come and check it out here too!
You're a brilliant boy :O) XOXOXOXO
John wrote: ""Speechless"Glancing down at the half eaten salad on the grubby cafeteria table, I absently toy with a stray piece of lettuce and just watch as the cacophonous world passes me by. I’ve always l..."
That was awesome. Love reading all the stories.
John wrote: ""Speechless"Glancing down at the half eaten salad on the grubby cafeteria table, I absently toy with a stray piece of lettuce and just watch as the cacophonous world passes me by. I’ve always l..."
BJ, I just re-read this several times over after 400 miles of driving today, and I was speechless for quite some time. And now I have to re-read, again, before I continue this message.
I am very serious, my friend, this is a powerful work of art! Your opening paragraph sets the mood so perfectly. And now I have to re-read, again.
Is it just me, or does our friend's writing style draw you in like a bee to a rose? And now I have to re-read, again. Seriously! BJ I am so very in love with your story, and your writing style.
I swear as a reader I am transported into Jakes's head as he speaks and thinks; every description of space and emotion is so vividly painted with a master's stroke. I need to re-read, again. BJ thank you so much for writing this to share with us.
I just can't stop re-reading. Is it just me? Am I just a sucker for a sweet love story? I would be speechless, but this is too sweet to remain silent!
I wanted to ask you to write the story of "the psychopathic one." But no, I don't want to know about him. Seriously. It's best that those haters remain un-named, and their stories untold so that they fade into the vast emptiness of obscurity.
For all of you non-gay readers, I must convey my feeling that BJ has captured and distilled the very essence of our emotional experience when dealing with everyday life of trying to be invisible so that we don't have to be verbally abused for being who we are. And then the feelings of Jake when he began to realize what was happening between him and Ethan, well you tell me-- is that not exactly the way you straight people feel when meeting someone you are in love with? DId he not capture those emotions with striking perfection?
Take a bow, Wonderboy!
I feel like I have awakened sleeping giants. May they never sleep again.
Does anyone get the feeling that this guy is head-over-heels in love with BJ's writing?
Your first fan,
SCY
Seventh fan.Seriously, you guys are making me afraid to post the story idea I came up with in the shower. Everyone's story is so good!
Patricia wrote: "Seventh fan.Seriously, you guys are making me afraid to post the story idea I came up with in the shower. Everyone's story is so good!"
Post it. Post it! We're the most uncritical audience you're gonna find, since we're all sticking our necks out here too. And if the subject speaks to you, we want to hear about it. Nice when it's a well-written story, but write what you want to say without worrying about that part, and we'll enjoy hearing you. No competition here. Just joy at seeing that picture come to life.
Matt wrote: "Ok, I'll move my "seventh fan" up to eighth fan!!"Well, if you want, you can be seven and I'll be eight. I'm not picky. ^^
Kaje, I know. I still need to write it down though. (Why did it have to come to me in the shower???)
Patricia wrote: "Kaje, I know. I still need to write it down though. (Why did it have to come to me in the shower???) ..."My best ideas seem to come when I can't write (driving, shower, falling asleep...) Maybe something about turning the mind loose (and what does that say about my driving?) Good luck with it!
Kaje, I was thinking it's because you're relaxing. You are winding down, not thinking about cranking words out or deadlines. It makes it easier for the creative juices to flow because there's nothing blocking it.I get inspiration when I'm trying to sleep too. Usually by then, I don't want to get out of bed to write so I cross my fingers and hope the idea is still there in the morning. ^^;; (which is how the latest story idea brewing in my head started.)
BJ--I think I'm #10--I lost count somewhere along the way! And that name we were talking about?--yeah--I'm thinking it has to be Mr. Sassypants!
Okay guys, make sure to read the dedication at the bottom. With my love and respect. I'm also posting it over on the Spirit day thread.Rick sat, hunched over his dog-eared copy of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, under the glaring yellow lights of the cafeteria. He smiled, just a bit, remembering again the night before, studying with Jaime, in his room, there on his bed. In an instant he was back, lying across his bed, his head resting lightly on Jaime’s shoulder. Jaime. Rick groaned softly as he recalled that sweet moment. Jaime so soft and warm against his side, reading out loud the homework assignment to him. Rick closed his eyes for just a moment—once more hearing that voice falling around him like a light summer breeze…his boyfriend’s magical voice.
“But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks?
It is the east, and Rick is the sun.
“Hey. It does not say that— give me that, you jerk!”
I tried to grab the book from him. But Jaime is fast, like quicksilver, and he dodges my hand just in time. I watch, mesmerized as he shakes those soft brown curls out of his eyes and laughs softly.
“What do you mean? Of course it says that! And who are you calling a jerk, nerdy boy?”
I look at him skeptically, trying to look tough and stern.
“We’re supposed to be reading “Shakespeare’s version of Romeo and Juliet—not Jaime Swenson’s version—now be serious! We have a quiz on this tomorrow!
“Oh like the great Rick Thomas would ever fail a quiz. C’mon you know you’ve read this thing like 10 times already!”
I grinned sheepishly and ducked my head, mumbling, “3 times, you jerk!”
Jaime crowed in delight at my obvious shame!
You are such a twit—a big fat soft-hearted twit.”
I tried to look wounded. Then Jaime leaned in and whispered, “but you’re my soft hearted twit and I wouldn’t trade you for anything.”
I turned my head and went in for a kiss. So soft, so sweet—I was so in love. Jaime broke off to draw in a deep breath and smiled again. “Homework, first dude—smoochin later.” I darted in for one more quick peck and then, leaning my head against my hand, sighed and said, “Yeah. You’re right. Keep going, huh?”
Jaime licked his lips; his eye heavy with want, with need, cleared his throat and started again, never taking his eyes away from mine.
“See, how he leans his cheek upon his hand!
O, that I were a glove upon that hand,
That I might touch that cheek!”
The book slipped from his hand as he reached toward me with his hand. I closed my eyes and felt that soft caress…
“Rick—helloooo! Earth to Rick. Are you in there? “ I jumped, opening my eyes, ripped from my memories back into Henley High School cafeteria and the freckled face of Joanie Shenk.
“Jesus, you scared me!” Joanie laughed and mussed my hair as she plopped down beside me.
“Well, loverboy, if you weren’t so busy dreaming about your hot boyfriend maybe you would have heard me the first 6 times I said your name!
I started to say that I wasn’t doing anything of the sort then I just shrugged my shoulders and smiled. After all this was Joanie, my best girl—there was no way I could ever hide anything from her. We had grown up together Joanie and me. My Dad used to joke that we were born attached at the hip. To which, Joanie always replied, “Yuck—I am so not sticking these fine hips to any skinny-assed gay boy—no thank you!” Of course she always said that AFTER Dad was out of earshot. While he was there, she always smiled and said, “Oh, Mr. Thomas, that’s so sweet of you to say!” Yeah—that Joanie, she knew how to lay it on—and thick too! She started to pull some flyers out of her bottomless messenger bag that hung from her shoulder.
“So, did you get the blue tape from Mr. Davis?”
“Huh—the blue what?”
“The blue tape—you know the junk we’re allowed to use when we want to tape stuff on the walls in the cafeteria?”
“Oh, that blue tape…uhm, sorry?” I said it with all the fake remorse I could muster—even gave her that lost puppy look that usually works like a charm, but I should have known better. First, she slapped me on the side of the heard; then she sighed and looked disgusted, saying:
“One thing! I ask you to do one thing so that we can get these Spirit day flyers up and what do you do?? Sit here, drooling over Jaime—you are truly pathetic. Anyone would think you were not about to give an anti-bullying speech in front of 1200 high school kids. (In her worst yet imitation of a sports announcer) Ladies and Gentleman, introducing your senior class president Rick, I am so in love with Jaime, I forgot to put up the flyers Thomas! Oh how you gay boys try a straight girl’s patience!”
“I’m sorry Joans—I really meant to stop by Mr. Davis’ class and get it but I had to meet Jaime and I was running late…” My voice trailed off as I watched my best girl smile and reach out to pat my cheek.
“It’s okay big guy, I forgive you. That Jaime, he’s something special, huh?”
I swallowed hard, nodding my head, “yeah—real special Joans—uhm, so special that I think I, uhm, might actually be falling in…” I didn’t get any further; Joanie squealed and pushed in to plant a big kiss on my cheek. Breathlessly she said, “Oh Ricky, I’m so happy for you guys!”
I smile. That, that right there is why I love Joan Frances Donohue—why she will always be my best girl!
“Yeah, Joanie? “ I asked, dipping my head embarrassed and yet secretly thrilled with her reaction.
She leaned in and kissed my cheek again and said, “yeah, really glad—cause I love you guys –and, besides,” she leaned back and I could see the veil glint in her emerald green eyes, I get to hear about all the hot gay sex—bonus!”
My eyes shot wide and I stammered, “Wait a minute I never told you anything about Jaime and me having sex!”
She leaned in and said, “GOTCHA!” And with a wave of her fingers and one last evil chuckle, she swept away as I watched and then groaned out loud. How did I keep falling for that crap—I thought to myself? She truly is an evil genius!
I smile and looked down at the book in my hands again. Romeo and Juliet. I felt rather than saw his presence at my left shoulder. He leaned in gently and as his lips brushed my cheek, he whispered: “Shakespeare, dude, is he the man for you?”
As I turned to tell him that he had it wrong—that HE was the man for me, his lips brushed against mine and like a flash I was back in my bedroom, laying on my bed, and my love was reading softly:
“Love goes toward love, as schoolboys from their books,
But love from love, toward school with heavy looks.
(A special thanks to William Shakespeare for the use of his words and his forgiveness for my editing of the same! And, to the boys on this site—this one is dedicated to you, in honor of Spirit Day!)
Oh! Now even I'd read the bard if followed your lead Sammy.. ~sigh~
John wrote: "Speechless"Hey John, sweet words, mate.
Please, let's see more of them soon.
Kaje wrote: "About fifth fan, Scylar. Get in line."Darn, you. Darn, you. Darn, you, Kaje. Since I claimed the status first, I'm the FIRST FAN! And the caps prove it. Just kidding. Run, BJ, run.
