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| Kish - not so weekly - Writing Challenge!; #3 11/7 - 11/26 -> A Kish Thanksgiving! | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Nov 7 2009, 03:48 PM (800 Views) | |
| TimeToFly | Nov 7 2009, 03:48 PM Post #1 |
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James
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The Writing Challenge - Comment Thread So, seeing as no one's posted in last week's challenge yet, I thought I'd make this week's last a little longer than one week... THE CHALLENGE -> 11/7 - 11/26 A Kish Thanksgiving! Write a story about how you think Kyle and Oliver should/will celebrate Thanksgiving! The story can take place at this month's thanksgiving or years down the line (after they've been a couple for years... or you can give them a little backstory where they broke up sometime between now and when your story takes place, or it could even be a thanksgiving from their college days where neither of them could go home for some reason!! just a little helpful tidbit). This challenge ends Thanksgiving Day, and a new challenge will (hopefully) be posted the following day on Black Friday (providing I'm not working ALL DAY that day...) LENGTH 5 Chapter Limit - One-Shot Highly Recommended Like the last challenge this one will have a 5 chapter limit, however since it's a Thanksgiving story, unless you make it a very drama filled Thanksgiving (which could be A LOT of fun XD ) you may not be able to write more than one chapter. Remember, if your story has more than one chapter, then PLEASE WAIT TO POST until you have all the chapters finished so you can post them all at once, in separate posts please. This is to help organize the challenge a bit. REMINDERS: ~Make sure you give your story a title and rating, individual chapter titles are optional. ~Make your story YOURS. Write whatever you want, don't feel constrained to follow what someone else thinks you should write. And if it turns out a lot like someone else's, don't worry about it! Just be yourself! THANK YOU, GOOD LUCK, AND HAPPY WRITING!!! <~TimeToFly~> When you're in love your heart feels like it's soaring, so I say to you now, it's Time To Fly! Edited by TimeToFly, Nov 8 2009, 12:30 AM.
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| katlover | Nov 15 2009, 12:30 AM Post #2 |
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Something Worth Being Thankful For by Katlover All four burners on the stove crackled with life. The oven radiated warmth. Platters and bowls waited patiently on the counter. In the dining room, the table was elegantly set for eight people. All these little touches lent an aura of peace. They added a hint of calm in a space so utterly filled with chaos. Throughout the house, shrieks of laughter exploded. A rampage of thunderous little feet wound up the stairs and down again, out the back door and back in again. The kitchen filled to bursting with people dicing almonds for the stuffing, mashing the potatoes cooking on the stovetop and sweeping the floor clean of the odds and ends of a meal almost prepared. Suddenly, a bell added to the insanity. Answering the call, a pair of hands slapped the alarm off while grabbing a set of potholders. “The turkey’s ready,” announced Oliver as he turned off the oven and opened the door. Stopping his broom in mid-swing, Kyle leaned toward the oven and inhaled deeply. “It smells great.” “My Mother’s recipe never fails,” said Cris over his shoulder as he continued to chop almonds. From the doorway, a lovely Spanish accent called. “Did someone mention my recipe?” “Sure did, Carlotta,” answered Layla as she rested her arm for a moment. “How are the kids?” “Oh fine. They’re running and playing. Hopefully, they’ll sit still once we’re eating.” “Not much hope of that,” echoed the quartet. “Oh well, it’ll be good either way,” sighed Carlotta. Watching as Oliver placed the roasting pan on a large trivet, she asked, “How much longer?” All at once, they looked at each other and shrugged. Turning to his mother, Cris estimated, “At least another half hour, Ma. The turkey needs to rest.” “That’s fine. It gives me just enough time to get these little mocosos looking presentable.” “Good luck with that,” replied Layla as she turned back to the mashed potatoes. Pounding forcefully, Layla allowed her mind to wander. She recalled the first Thanksgiving they all shared. Crammed around that tiny kitchen table, a lack of space forced them to place all the food on the coffee table and serve themselves buffet style. God… Had it really been eleven years? “Hey, are you okay?” “What?” Startled into stillness, Layla looked over her shoulder. Finding Kyle looking at her with concern, she smiled. “Sure why wouldn’t I be?” “Oh, I don’t know maybe because you’re beating those potatoes like they committed some great wrong against you in a past life.” Looking back and forth from the potatoes to Kyle, Layla laughed nervously. “I’m fine. Just got caught up in memories.” Placing a gentle hand on the large swell of her stomach, Kyle whispered, “Are you sure you’re feeling okay? Do you maybe need to sit down? Put your feet up?” “Doctor Lewis,” barked Layla as she swatted his hand away from her stomach. “This baby may belong to you and Oliver once she’s born, but for right now, what I say goes and what I say is that I’m finishing these potatoes. Now, hand me the butter and rosemary.” “Excuse me. Whatever you say, your highness.” “God, do not get her riled up, Kyle. This is the fourth pregnancy I’ve been through with this woman and if you make her mad and I end up paying for it… Let’s just say – You’re going to pay, too.” “Oh yeah?” “Come on guys, let’s play nice on Thanksgiving,” implored Oliver. Turning away from the turkey, he inched over to the refrigerator. Quickly, he retrieved the butter. Leaning to the right he grabbed the bottle of rosemary off the spice rack. Without a word, he handed them to Layla before picking up a spoon. Keeping his back to the group, he listened to the conversation as he stirred the rice and visually checked the vegetable medley. “You should take some notes, Kyle. At least, your husband knows how to treat a pregnant woman.” “Here we go,” sighed Cris as he threw up his hands. “I’m getting you for this, Kyle.” “What did I do? All I did was show some concern.” “Kyle…” “Oliver…” replied Kyle. Pulling over the dust pan, he swept away the dirt from the floor. He jerked a little when he felt a pair of arms stretch across his chest, circling his torso. “I’m sorry,” whispered Layla as she placed her head on his shoulder. “Let’s blame it on the hormones, okay?” “Okay. Sure.” He rubbed her arm as he reiterated his concern. “Are you sure you’re okay? We can finish up in here. We’ll be fine.” “No, I want to help.” “You do look a little tired, hon. Come here.” Taking her by the arm, Cris walked her over to the breakfast nook. Pulling out a chair, he waited until, with a huff, she sat down. “Now, stay there while we finish.” With a mock salute, she dismissed Cris. Leaning back, Layla silently admitted to herself that her feet were killing her. Rubbing her stomach, she smiled contentedly as she thought back to a decade old Thanksgiving. She’d been two months pregnant with her first child on that day. She recalled the nausea she fought off the whole time they cooked in the kitchen of the Buenas Dias Café. She felt a tremor run through her as she remembered how frightened she was back then to give Cristian the news. Smiling wistfully, she watched her stomach dance as she thought of Kyle and Oliver, bringing to mind how they watched open-mouthed as she told Cris about the baby just as the turkey was placed on the table. Brushing the memories away, she stood up and announced, “I’m going to help Carlotta get the kids ready.” Before anyone could object, she walked away. Oliver glanced over his shoulder just in time to watch her leave. With a deep sigh, he picked up the butter. Dumping a chunk in the steaming pot, he closed his eyes as he stirred. Immediately, memories assaulted him. As he slowly sprinkled rosemary, his mind drifted back ten years. He could clearly see the shocked expression Cris wore when Layla blurted out that she was pregnant. He could also plainly see the next Thanksgiving when Carlotta happily spent the whole meal feeding her little grandson his bottle and holding him while he slept. Quickly, his thoughts traveled from year to year. The fifth Thanksgiving that was spent in the maternity ward welcoming Cris and Layla’s second child. Then, the sixth year when they all just sat around, kicking back beers after putting both kids to bed. He remembered so clearly how that was the night they first discussed his and Kyle’s desire to start a family and the many roadblocks they faced. Smiling, Oliver recalled how they called later that night and offered to have Layla be their surrogate. Now, awaiting the birth of their second child, Oliver could only bite his lip as he listened to the words being exchanged behind him. “Why do you always have to start, Kyle? Now look, she’s upset. She’ll probably tell my mother all about this. Thanks a lot. That was a smack upside the head I really didn’t need today.” “Excuse me for caring.” “Listen, Kyle, she’s my wife. If someone’s going to take care of her, it’ll be me. So just back off.” “Yeah, well, that’s my baby she’s carrying and I’ll remind you that she’s been having premature labor for the last month and its still six weeks before she’s due.” “Will you both just shut up?” Carrying the pot of mashed potatoes, Oliver crossed over to the waiting counter of bowls. As he emptied the potatoes into one of the bowls he stated, “I think the vegetables and the rice are done.” Jumping up, Kyle and Cris each grabbed a pan. Standing on either side of Oliver, they quietly filled bowls. Stepping back from the counter, Oliver slowly rinsed his pot out in the sink. After turning off the water, he towel dried his hands as he spoke, “Cris?” Placing his pot in the sink, Cris nodded before he left the room. Carefully, Oliver placed lids on the bowls. Then slowly, he walked over to Kyle. “Talk to me. What’s wrong?” With a sigh, Kyle ran a hand through his hair. “There’s nothing wrong, Oliver. It’s just so much has happened this time. Up until now, every pregnancy went off without a hitch. The tests always came back normal. They were practically text book. Even being a surrogate didn’t affect that. I mean even with Rachel she went into labor the day she was due. But this time… This time, we thought she was going to miscarry because she spotted during her entire first trimester. Then, in her second trimester, she was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Now, she’s been experiencing premature labor. The worst part though is I know she’s not telling us everything.” “What do you mean?” “The last trip to labor & delivery - There is no way those contractions were Braxton-Hicks like she said they were.” “How do you know this?” “I saw the monitor readout.” “What?” “I had to know, Oliver.” “God, Kyle. Do you honestly think Layla would do anything to hurt our child?” Instantly, Kyle’s thoughts drew back to that Thanksgiving dinner four years ago when Layla walked over to him and Oliver and handed them a small square box. The joy in her eyes, the shimmering tears that threatened to fall as they opened the box to reveal a positive pregnancy test still burned brightly in his memory. Looking up, Kyle found himself pulled back to the present by the question in Oliver’s eyes. With a shake of his head, he whispered, “No, of course not.” Suddenly, they heard footsteps from the hallway. “So where are those bowls you said you needed help carrying?” Stopping in her tracks, Layla met Kyle’s eyes. Instantly, Cris and Oliver grabbed the serving bowls off the counter. “We can take care of the bowls,” they announced as they hurried from the room. Folding their arms over their chests, Layla and Kyle watched their husbands flee the room. Once they were alone, Layla commented, “Those two are diabolical.” “There are times I think they’re telepathically linked.” “That would make a lot of sense seeing as how they’ve been conspiring against us from the beginning.” "This is true.” Smiling, they glanced at each other. With a quiet chuckle, they let their hands fall to their sides as they shuffled closer to each other. Reaching out, she gently took his hand. “Kyle, you have to know I would never do anything to hurt this baby.” Squeezing her hand, he replied, “I know that. I do. You’ve done so much for us already. We don’t know how to thank you and Cris enough. I mean, we wouldn’t have Rachel or this little one without you.” “Then what is it?” “Ever since we rushed you to the hospital last month, I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. It’s driving me crazy. I brace myself every time I see you overexerting yourself. I’m-“ “Worried. You’re a parent. It’s comes with the job.” “Does it ever.” “I don’t want to be the cause of any worry for you. Lord knows, our children give us more than enough as it is. If it’ll make you feel better, I’ll let you spoil me. I’ll take it easy, easier anyway. Really, I will.” “Thank you,” whispered Kyle as he drew Layla into a hug. As they pulled apart, they noticed movement coming from the doorway. Upon closer inspection, they discovered a white handkerchief tied to a No. 2 pencil, swinging back and forth. Suppressing their laughter, they watched as Oliver and Cris’ heads appeared. “Is it safe?” Glancing at each other, Layla and Kyle smiled before walking over to their husbands. Placing her hands on Cris’ cheeks, Layla pulled him down into a slow kiss. Likewise, Kyle pulled Oliver over, kissing him quickly on the lips. Together, they left the kitchen and entered the dining room. Four table settings were spread out on either side of a long rectangular table. In the corner seat nearest the door sat Carlotta. Across from her, the two middle seats were filled by the squirming Vega children – Marco and Taylor. Cristian watched as his children took turns elbowing each other while exchanging teasing looks. Smiling though he knew he shouldn’t, he couldn’t help but marvel at how big they were. At eight and six respectively, they were so removed from the babies he remembered. With a sigh, he helped Layla sit down next to the daughter who looked so much like her. With a rustle of Marco’s curly blond hair, Cris made his way to his own seat, directly across from Carlotta. At the same time, a wriggling mass of little girl managed to break free from Carlotta’s grasp. Rolling off the chair and managing somehow to land on both feet, she took off at full speed. “Daddy! Papa!” Crouching down, Kyle spread out his arms. Rachel crashed into him with such force that he nearly tumbled over. Regaining his balance, he picked her up, bouncing her slightly as he walked over to the three seats next to Carlotta. As he reached the table, she placed her small hands on his cheeks and asked, “Can we eat now, Papa? Can we?” “Sure, but you’ve got to sit down first.” Seated in the center chair, she bounced with barely contained energy. Exchanging a smile over her head, Kyle and Oliver sat on either side of her. Getting up on her knees, she turned to her right. Leaning on a strong forearm, she flashed a pair of puppy dog eyes as she whispered, “I’m hungry, Daddy. I really am.” Laughing out loud, Oliver pulled his daughter into a hug. “You have got to start watching something other than 101 Dalmatians, little girl.” “But I like that one.” All the adults broke out in laughter at the sight of her pouty lower lip. Confused, she stared across the table at her Uncle Cris and Aunt Layla before glancing over at Nana Vega. Finally, she looked back and forth from her Daddy to her Papa. Not quickly enough, the laughter started to subside. Impatient, Rachel crossed her arms and growled, “Stop. I don’t like it.” For some reason, the angry look on her face caused another wave of laughter to fill the room. At the sight of his daughter’s furrowed brow, Kyle stopped laughing. Gently, he pulled her over into a hug. His actions soon silenced the laughter within the room. Placing his daughter back in her booster seat, he brushed away stray hairs from her face. “So what do you want to eat first?” “I want turkey and rice and potato and… and bread. Yeah, yeah, I want bread.” “I’ll see what I can do,” answered Kyle as he looked just past her. Slyly, he winked at Oliver before being drawn back down by a tiny hand patting on his arm. “Time to hold hands now, Papa.” Quickly, everyone held hands. Cris stretched across the table to reach Carlotta. Kyle did the same for Layla. As fingers intertwined, everyone bowed their heads. For a couple seconds, they considered all for which they were thankful. A pulse beat through their clinched hands. The sound of even breathing filled the air. A moment of perfect calm was born. As eyes opened, they looked upon their reasons to be thankful – Friendship, Fidelity and Family. Then, now and for years to come, it would always be something worth being thankful for. |
| addicted2Kish | Nov 15 2009, 11:18 AM Post #3 |
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8.20.10<3
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i love it!! |
| Nukester | Nov 19 2009, 08:18 PM Post #4 |
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katlover, That was beautiful. It brims with what I have to believe are your personal insights and feelings. It rings so true it can't be fiction. Before I post my entry, I decline to "win" the writing challenge. I do not even want to be considered. Nukester is totaly non-competitive. (He got sick of loosing years ago and found not competing more rewarding.) Therefore, the following entry is an exit. Happy turkeys everyone! ====================================================================== (Nuking Kish with Moxy [Morris + Roxy]) Posted Image Thanksgiving Gay Morris the stuffed beaver shivered imperceptibly. Being taxidermed, everything he did or said was imperceptible to all but Roxy Balsom. "You cold, Morris?" she asked feeling the gust of cold air herself. "Close the door," she shouted to the guest holding it open for some slow-poke to enter the Angel Square Hotel. "Heat doesn't grow on trees, you know." She turned to her front-desk guardian. "I didn't think beavers got cold. You'z from the North Woods, ain'tcha?" "We don't and I was," he agreed. "But years of unliving on this desk's made me soft, I guess." Roxy gave him a squeeze. "You ain't soft. You're a stiff." "Even so...," he trailed off as the guests arrived at the check-in counter. "We've got a reservation," the blond, slightly goofy lipped shorter man introduced himself. "Under Snyder, Luke Snyder." Balsom tilted her head looking up at the guy. Even tho he was short, she was way shorter. From Luke she looked up up to the nervous, serious face of the six-foot-plus brunette guy. She smiled. "You boyz want a queen or a king bed to share?" Noah Mayer blushed. "Either's fine," Luke asserted. "So long as it's no-smoking." He liked this gal. She obviously knew the score and didn't care. "What brings you to town?" "We're here for Thanksgiving. A friend of ours and his boyfriend invited us. He lives here. Kyle Lewis." "Well, whatd'ya know?! I'll put you down the hall from him." She turned to pull a key off the rack. "Have you met Kyle's main squeeze? Dude's a hot cop, but he's okay for a copstable." she handed Luke the key and a pen to sign the registrar. While signing, Snyder noticed the improbably high percentage of Smiths and Jones having registered before them. Noah felt confused, "A what?" The writer in the couple tried to be polite, "I believe you mean constable--a member of the constabulary." 'Flatfoot's a flatfoot in my book. But Fish is alright. Him and Kyle make a cute couple. They've been carrying a torch for each other since college. But you probably know all that." Luke confirmed, "I met Kyle online on a fan-board for our favorite tv show: United States of Tara. We hit it off and became email/text friends. Noah and I were really happy when he didn't marry Nick and he and Oliver got back together. We decided it was time to meet in person. Thanksgiving seemed perfect; so we're doing turkey, tomorrow, at Oliver's apartment with his roommates." This answered Morris's question about their luggage, "I guess, that explains the giant Hubbard Squash." Which confused Roxy, "Morris says that's a Hubbard squash you got there." Mayer glanced behind himself to see whom the landlord was talking to. Nobody. Since she had flyaway hair, his second guess was that she must have been on her earphone when they walked up. "It's a Snyder tradition." Having said that, he realized Morris would have to be watching via camera to see the humongous vegetable on the hand-cart he pulled. Again, he cast about. "Whatcha lookin' for?" "The cameras." Morris and Roxy laughed. She spoke for both of them, "We don't have surveillance cameras. My hotel's all about privates." - - - - - Luke and Noah dumped their stuff in their room. Mayer summed, "She's exactly like Kyle described." "I like her," Luke cuddled up to his boyfriend, like he never did in Oakdale. "I bet she's got stories to tell." "Someone's feeling frisky." "Ya think?" Noah's hand ran a spot check, "I know!" - - - - - 45 minutes later the two dressed and knocked on Kyle's door. Lewis opened the door and proclaimed, "Noah and Luke, I presume?" "Yup." "Guilty as charged." "Come on in." He hugged each man because he felt that close to them, already. "I'm so glad you guys came. Oliver's looking forward to meeting you, as are Layla and Cris." "Us, too," Luke replied. "We've shared so much over the net, it's like we've gotten on the same channel." "I don't know about that. Oakdale sounds a lot more up-tight than Llanview. We had the gay wedding and everything. Both of our mayoral candidates came out for same-sex marriage. Ollie's bosses even support it. From what you've told me, things aren't as friendly where you live, as the world turns here. "Yeah, well," the blond lamented, "If I've one life to live, I'd still want to live it in Oakdale. That's home. My roots are there." Kyle reflected on how dark Luke's roots were, "Noah's dad shot you." Mayer sought to change the topic, "My dad was sick. He's dead now, I think, maybe, tho his body wasn't found and the next sweeps could change that. Let's talk about something else. Who's Morris?" "Morris?" "Roxy was talking to him." "When we checked in, she talked to him." "I don't know anyone named, Morris." "Over the security system," Noah suggested. "This hotel doesn't have security. If anything, this hotel has anti-surveillance. Roxy doesn't like leaving fingerprints, if she can help it. Nor do most of her guests. If there's a Morris, he's NOT recording check-ins. Trust me." He realized it was still before noon. "Did she seem sober to you?" The guys thoughtfully nodded. "That's probably the problem, then. She's a pint low. She should be soused by lunch and that'll clear her head. You can't trust anything she says sober, and only half of what she spills drinking." He paused thoughtfully, smirked smally, " --'course, it could be one of the ghosts that haunt this place, she was talking to." That intrigued Mayer, "Really? A haunted hotel?" "That's what the old-timers tell me. But I've never seen any." He switched gears. "Thinking of which, why don't I take you guys to the Buenos Dias Café for lunch? Cris's mom owns it and he works there. I'll call Ollie to see if he can join us." He flipped open his phone and pulled up the relevant number... "I want to report a crime in progress." The response was barely audible beyond Lewis's ear, "That'd be a 911 call, sir." "Oh? I thought I'd cut out the operator go straight to the cop." "This cop's not straight." "Tell me about it. I know you. And it's a crime you're not here with me now. Hey, Oliver. Luke and Noah arrived and I'm thinking Vega's for lunch. Can you join us?" Fish thought thru the list of ongoing criminal concerns. There was an amber alert, a drug bust, two convenience store robberies, a bomb-threat at the elementary school, a crazy woman haranguing people in the street over whom they voted for for mayor, a shooting at the university, a kid in a wheelchair reported having rolled out of a plane during take-off, a couple bodies found around town..., "Yeah, no problem. Pretty slow day, actually. See you there." "See you." They both hung up. - - - - - Fish arrived at the same time they did, because the restaurant is only steps away from everywhere in Llanview. "Oliver, this is Luke [handshake] and Noah [handshake] and this is my boyfriend Oliver; but most people in town call him by his last name, Fish." "Oliver, Ollie, Fish, whatever. I'm kinda hungry. How about you guyz?" They went in and grabbed a booth. Kyle waved to Cris, who deduced this must be the couple joining them for the holiday. He finished refreshing coffees at the counter, then walked over. "Welcome to Buenos Dias. You must be 'The Nukes.'" He extended his hand to each. "I'm Luke." "Noah. What do you mean by 'Nukes'?" Vega's face nearly suggested doubt, "I thought, as a couple, you were called 'Nuke.' Noah plus Luke equals Nuke." The perplexed couple looked at each other, shaking their heads. "No." "Never heard that before." Snyder continued, "That'd be like calling Kyle and Oliver, Koliver or you and Layla, Crislay." Cris gave Kyle an accusatory squint before focusing on his order pad, "Sorry, my bad. What can I get ya? Mom's made her killer chili. It's the special today. Comes with choice of antacid." He almost cracked a smile at his joke. Moments after ordering, Ollie scrunched down in the booth a tad, "Don't look now, but you-know-who just walked in." "Nick?" Kyle figured from the tone and behavior. Naturally, he and everyone turned to see Nick Chavez enter holding hands with a much older Asian guy. The ex- pulled the guy directly to Kyle's booth. "We just got back from Massachusetts. This is my husband, Kim." Sitting on the outside and being a police officer, Fish felt obligated to slip out of the booth and stand to shake hands. "Congratulations." The rebound wedding made him curious. "Ummm, how'd you guys meet?" "Thru Amnesty International. Kim fled China because of the crack-down on Gays. I married him so we can challenge his right to stay thru the courts." The blond Oakdaler was impressed, "Good luck with that. That'd be a great precedent to set." //Or not,// his partner worried how a bad ruling would hurt the cause for decades. An awkward silence ensued which Nick ended by saying, "Let's get a table by the window." "Good luck," Oliver repeated as they left. He sat. "That was... interesting." - - - - - Kyle showed his guests Llanview's many facets: the financial district, farmer's market, art village, Little Italy, red light district, water SlidePark (closed for winter), Lavender Heights, The Mall, and the newly opened medical marijuana dispensary. Luke quipped as they walked past, "I keep meaning to get sick." Kyle laughed, "I git that, man. Totally. Anyway, that about completes the tour. You've already been thru the international airport. I'd take you to the docks, but it's just a bunch of warehouses and Russian Mafia hangouts." Mayer had to ask, "You've got Mafia?" "Pretty much got some of everything. But Oliver's done a lot to help bring them down." Luke remembered, "That's right! The kidnapping case he helped crack. You'd have to be a real 'phobe to call him names after that." Lewis pushed the conversation back toward tourism, "Llanview is Pennsylvania's Gay-friendliest town. There's no doubt about that. We've got a big write-up in the International Gay Ghetto Guide." Again Mayer shook his head, but more scoffingly. "There's actually a travel guide like that?" "Dude," Lewis smiled. "Wait till you see the travel section at Oscar Wilde's Books. Come'on. It's just around the corner from the hotel and Buenos Dias, of course." "Of course," Snyder agreed having learned the cafe and Angel Square were the center of all things Llanview. - - - - - That evening Oliver and Kyle took their guests back to Lavender Heights to check-out the bars. The discos were jumping, even tho it was a Wednesday. As they surveyed their choices, Ollie explained. "It's a joke. We call this corner Gay Central because there's a gay bar on every corner." The competing techno music, hip-hop, country swing, and DJ mix proved the point. He continued, "This whole part of downtown is a mish-mash of ethnicities and lifestyles, but a lot of people call it Lavender Heights cuz it's so open and friendly. A better name would be Rainbow Heights, if you ask me." He began pointing to the four cardinal directions, i.e. bars. "That's Pistons; it's got kinduva biker/leather motif. That's The Shaft. You get a all types in there. The Hay Loft caters to bears, cubs, otters, cowboy wannabes, and country lovers. And then there's Jazz Hands which often hosts drag shows, wet Ts or Undies contests, community events, anything over-the-top and showy." Gay terminology As he spoke, he and Kyle felt warm arms slip around their waists as boobs pressed their torsos apart. "Hay-ya boys," Roxy Balsom hugged her hunks from between them. Showin' the new kids a good time? Don't forget the Klit-Kat-Klub and The Stone Bridge up the road." "Oy," Noah groaned. "I'm guessing the first one's a women's bar. Not a very subtle name." Balsom shrugged, "It is what it is. Ya gotta let your Freak Flag fly, otherwise it's like a bad bikini wax: bushy....," Kyle cut her off. "That's okay. We get the picture." She was undeterred, "...stinky...," Again, "Roxy!" "...and not guiding 'em in." A couple of the guys rolled their eyes uncomfortably. Oliver corrected, "It's not called The Stone Bridge. It's Topper's. It's the oldest gay bar in town." She agreed, "You can say that again. That's why we call it The Stone Bridge. Ya get a lotta trolls in there." "Roxy!" Kyle nearly sounded cross. "That's mean." She laughed at her joke without regard. She'd spent plenty of hours with her friends in the place. She had a faghag's right of membership to joke as she wanted. He corrected her. "Yes, sometimes, some people call it that, hopefully mostly joking. Topper's attracts an older crowd. People who prefer to be able to talk over drinks, rather than shout over the music." "Trolls." *laughs* "Stop it!" But he had to admit, some of the regular regulars frequenting the lounge, wore the degenerative signs of age, too much booze, and cigarettes. Luke tried to change topics. He took a couple steps to a row of free newspaper dispensers. He opened the nearest one. "Is this the local Gay paper? Mom..., Guess What? I love the title." Kyle continued, "That's one of them. There's also Outword and a general counter-culture paper called Unhidden News and a few others dealing with politics, art, music, whatever. Snyder grabbed one from every box to read thru and literarily assess, later. The fivesome people-watched for a while, before sampling the sound and mood of each bar. Fortunately, being mid-week and the night before a major holiday, there were no cover charges. By 10:15 they were back at the RogueMotel, saying good-nights in the hallway. Kyle stood in front of his room with his hands in his pockets, scrunching his shoulders appearing shorter and more impish than usual. Fish asked, "How about I come in for a while? I told Cris and Layla that I'd get home late. It's not so late, yet." "This is true." "You could light some candles." "I could." "We could watch a movie." "Or not." "Let's go with your idea." - - - - - The turkey cook-athon started well before Kyle brought Luke & Noah to the apartment with their fixings, which included a gibungous Hubbard Squash. Oliver beat them home by barely half an hour. Cris looked up from cutting carrots when Fish entered, "Well, that's what I call late. Any later and it'd be called lunch." The cop protested, tho he knew his timing was appreciated from the wink Layla gave him. "It's not even 9:00. Kyle'll bring the boys over after a short stop for coffee and bagels." "What? They're eating at the competition's? Mia poor madre." "Dias is closed." "I know that. But I can guilt you anyway, can't I?" "Stop, you two." Layla Williamson chided. "We've a lot to get done if this Thanksgiving meal's going to be ready to eat by one." Oliver agreed, "You're right. But I've gotta change clothes first. I showered at Kyle's, but I keep forgetting to leave some clothes there to change into." Ever sardonic, Vega challenged, "At?! You mean with, not at." "Okay, with and at. But I should change." The woman in the room secretly enjoyed the banter. "I swear you two. Cris is still more comfortable with you're being Gay than you are, Fish." Her smile was as bright as the sun streaming thru the skylight. "Go change. Go go go!" she teased the cop while swatting at his butt. "We need kitchen staff." He dashed and she opened the oven to peek at the bird cooking. "Lookin' goooood." - - - - - It took three trips from the car to the apartment for Noah, Luke, and Kyle to carry up all their culinary bits. The last haul was the Hubbard squash. The Oakdaler's struggled under it's weight to heft it up and into the flat. They deposited it awkwardly on the coffee table. "I'm getting too old for this," Snyder complained. "You're not even 30," his boyfriend scoffed. "Yeah, well, you heft 30 years of Hubbards and see how you feel." Williamson patted the giant squash. "You could feed half of Llanview with this thing. Couldn't you have brought a smaller one?" Snyder explained, "It's not like we're going to cook it all. Our family has a tradition that sortuv the man-of-the-year cuts the squash open and then the women cook enough to give everyone a taste. I mean, obviously, that's way too much squash. But it's like a right of passage. And last year Noah was selected to do the honors." "It was like being welcomed into the family," Mayer agreed and kissed Luke (which he never would have done in Oakdale if anyone was watching). Layla thought about it. "Seems sexist to me, but wha-ever! If that's how you roll, I won't take it personal. Who's going to cut it?" The doorbell rang. Kyle turned and opened the door. "Hey Rox." "Hey man. Am I too early? I came to help." She shifted the weight of her grocery bags full of bottles. Snyder felt inspired, "You know what? I think we need a new tradition in a new town. I think a woman should cut the squash here." Noah had a better inspiration, "Why not both women? Roxy and Layla should cut it together." "Cut what?" Oliver came into the room wearing a torso-fitting paisley shirt and crotch-endorsing bluejeans. A couple of the gay guys whistled long slow approval. Cris reconsidered, //Maybe I should ask Fish to model for me.// Lewis finally stopped gawking and answered, "Cut the squash. It's some sort of male Snyder thing in Oakdale. We're talking about reversing the tradition in Llanview." "Fine by me," Oliver agreed. "Okay then," Luke pulled the saw from one of his bags and handed it dramatically to Layla. He then nudged Roxy beside her. "The two of you... No wait. We need to get a picture." Noah pulled his camera off his belt holder. "Ready." "Okay. The two of you cut the squash open. -- It's okay to be a bit dramatic." The gals feigned being LumberJills and attacked the Hubbard with the saw-toothed tool. Noah click-click-clicked the action. "Fantastic!" he approved. "More! Make it look like hard work! Yes, that's it. Work it, girls." Suddenly the squash split apart. A torrent of seeds spilled out onto the table, gushed over its sides, and cascaded onto the carpet. "Oh my gawd!" Layla freaked as everyone except the photographer tried using their hands to hold back the flood--to no avail. Noah continued documenting the event. "I'm sorry!" Luke pleaded. "I'm so, so sorry. This has never happened before. It must be overly ripe or something." Cris ran and grabbed the kitchen trash bin. They started plopping handsfull of the slippery, stringy seeds into it, filling the small, bag-lined basket in no time. He went to the sink and pulled a 30 gallon garbage bag out from under it, as well as a dust-pan to be used like a snow-shovel, scooping up the debris. It took several minutes to empty the squash and clean the table and floor of the vegetable's guts. Noah and Ollie each took a squash half and moved them to the kitchen linoleum floor. Kyle and Luke carried the table down the hall, preparatory to figuring out how to clean the slime out of the carpet. "I'm sorry," the farmer said one last time. "I'll pay to have it cleaned." Cris tore 3 feet of paper towels off the roll and dropped it for others to be able to use, as well. After 15 minutes of daubing, plus a second roll of absorbent towels, they gave up as having the done the best they could. Layla set a fan to blow-dry the wet spot to help prevent it becoming stinky and/or moldy. Before they were ready to eat Thanksgiving together, the carpet piles had dried together into stiff bristles which Aziza delighted in walking on, as her paws made snap, crackle, and crunch sounds. - - - - - I know a lot of readers expect a bigger climax--something with a lot of moaning and shouting, "Yes!." But I'm going Pythonian. The script is over. The bit played-out. The characters enjoyed their Thanksgiving together. There doesn't have to be a penultimate punch-line beyond their happiness. The End Afterward (Monday afternoon): There was a knock on the Snyder farmhouse screen door. Luke got up from the kitchen table and called, "I'll get it!" into the living room where his dad sat with whomever it was playing his mother at the moment. "May I help you?" he asked thru the screen. A pleasant looking woman with a kindly voice said, "Hi. I hope I'm in the right place. I'm looking for Luke Snyder's house." "I'm Luke Snyder. What can I do for you?" he asked stepping outside to be polite. The woman immediate thrust an envelope in his hand and took a very authoritarian tone, "You're being sued by Llanview Apartments for destruction of property. Here's your court date. Have a nice day." She turned, got in her car (a Nissan Cube), and wasted no time leaving. We're talking drag-racer tire spinning. As the dust settled from the gravel driveway, Snyder noticed a plastic bag left behind. Curious, he approached. A yellow caution sticker stuck to the side read: He unwound the twisty and peered in. "EEEeeeeeuuuuuu!!" It was full of gooey slimy maggoty Hubbard squash guts. Edited by Nukester, Nov 20 2009, 12:09 PM.
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| kyboom | Nov 25 2009, 02:39 AM Post #5 |
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Michael
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A/N: Rating PG13. Enjoy! Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Below is my entry for the Thanksgiving writing challenge. Enjoy! I do not own the rights to any of the characters included below. _________________________________________________________________________________________ A Kish Family Thanksgiving – 2012 Kyle is walking down the stairs wearing a t-shirt and pair of boxer shorts. He yawns several times as he makes his way down the stairs. He heads to the kitchen and stands in the doorway. “Oliver it’s 3AM.” Oliver turns his head form the breakfast barstool and looks at Kyle. “Sorry. Did I wake you?” Kyle shakes his head no and walks over to Oliver. He stands beside Oliver and places his arm around Oliver’s shoulders. “What’s that for?” asks Kyle as he points with his free hand at a piece of paper Oliver has laying out on the bar. “It’s my list of everything we need to do tomorrow. I want tomorrow to be awesome for our friends and family.” “And it will be. Everything will be great. You’ve been over that list a million times. You need sleep or you my handsome boyfriend will not even make it through tomorrow.” “Tomorrow must be better than great. It has to be perfect. It’s our first time hosting Thanksgiving in our new home. I need everything to go off without a hitch. I keep thinking I am missing something from the list. My brain just can’t think about what’s missing.” Kyle swings around Oliver’s chair so that Oliver is facing him and places his hands on Oliver’s shoulders. “Listen to me. We are going to have a super day tomorrow. You’ve not forgotten anything. I have faith in you.” “I’m not sure why. I have a real bad feeling about tomorrow,” says a nervous and slightly panic filled Oliver. “I am not sure I can pull this off.” “You don’t have to pull this off by yourself. I’ll be here to help you. Calm down.” Oliver’s nervousness continues. “What were we thinking by inviting everyone here this year? We only moved in a few weeks ago. We’re not even completely settled in yet.” Kyle smiles. “What are you smiling at? This is serious.” “You are too cute when you have one of your frantic spells.” “I am not frantic, “ says a defensive Oliver. Kyle continues to smile and lets out a small chuckle. “Really?” “Really. I just can’t sleep. So I thought I would go over the list one more time. That’s all.” “Put the list down Oliver. The paper can’t handle it. Look at it now. It barely staying together.” Oliver looks down at the piece of paper in his hand and realizes Kyle is right. The paper is wrinkled, battered and worn. “Please Kyle. Give me just a few more minutes,” says Oliver. “Put the list down now officer and march yourself up those stairs to bed.” Oliver hesitates and looks from Kyle to the list in front of him. “You have your orders!” says Kyle. “I can’t sleep. I’m too nervous.” Kyle grabs the paper out of Oliver’s hand and lays it on the breakfast bar. Kyle gets a sexy and mischievous grin on his face. “Who said anything about sleeping? I think we can be a little more creative in how we pass the time.” “Well Mr. Lewis are sure your not too tired. It’s a little after 3 in the morning.” Kyle grabs Oliver’s hand and strategically places it on the outside of his boxer shorts. “Do I feel tired?” Oliver jumps out of the breakfast barstool. “I’ll race you.” Oliver flies out of the kitchen. Kyle follows whispering to Oliver. “Simmer down. We don’t want to wake up the little one. He will have us up before too long anyway” Oliver smiles and heads up the stairs. “Get to the bedroom Kyle. Now!” The two go up the stairs and into the master bedroom. _________________________________________________________________________________________ The next morning Oliver continues to sleep. He has a smile on his face as he sleeps. He slowly starts to wake up. He looks over and does not see Kyle in bed next to him. He slowly sits up in the bed. He rubs his eyes to bring his vision into focus. Once his vision returns he looks over to the clock on the nightstand that displays 842AM. Oliver immediately panics. “Oh no. I was supposed to be up hours ago. I told Kyle something would go wrong today. I knew it. Our first time hosting Thanksgiving is already off to a horrible start.” Oliver jumps out of bed wearing no clothes and races to the shower. A few minutes into the shower Kyle joins Oliver in the shower. Oliver is washing his hair as Kyle enters. Kyle faces Oliver and wraps his arms around his waist. “Kyle, I don’t have time for a long shower today. What about Ben?” “Ben is good. Rox came over early. She is down stairs with him now. She told me not to rush.” “Why didn’t you wake me up earlier. I am already behind schedule.” “Behind schedule for what?” asks Kyle. “My list! And I have to get the turkey started. My one cooking task today and of course it’s the main course. I need to get it into the oven ASAP.” Kyle kisses Oliver and then begins kissing his ears and neck. “Oh my frantic Oliver.” Oliver tries not to give in too Kyle’s moves. “Please Kyle. We don’t have time.” “We have as much time as we need.” “Was last night not satisfying enough?” asks Oliver. “Last night was beyond words. You were like a tiger my man!” says Kyle in between kisses to Oliver’s neck and ears. Oliver begins to give in to Kyle’s demands. “You are impossible.” “You love it and ya know it,” says Kyle smiling at Oliver. Kyle pulls Oliver’s body closer to his. Kyle chuckles. “Told you so. The evidence shows you love it.” Oliver gives in and the two guys make love in the shower. _________________________________________________________________________________________ About and hour later Kyle and Oliver come down the stairs and head into the living area. Roxy is sitting on the sofa as Ben plays with some toys on the plush carpeted floors. “How’s he doing Roxy?” asks Oliver as he walks into the room. Roxy stands. ‘He’s doing great. You two look like you had some fun this morning.” Roxy grins at the guys. Oliver and Kyle smile slightly embarrassed. Fish walks over to Roxy and hugs her. “Happy Thanksgiving Rox! We’re glad you could be here today.” “Thanks for having me Fishy. I wouldn’t miss it for the world and you have me all day today. Rex, Gigi and Shane are out of town for a few weeks.” “You are always welcome here Rox,” says Kyle patting her on the back. “You need to let Fish go though so he can get the bird started or we will not have a main entree to eat.” Oliver walks over to where Ben is playing and bends down. He rubs his hand on Ben’s hair. “Hey kiddo. How you doin?” “Daddy!” Ben jumps up and wraps his arms around Oliver. Oliver embraces Ben. “I love you baby.” “I luv ya too!” says Ben. Oliver stands lifting Ben in his arms. “Daddy has to go cook our turkey. Can you stay here and play with your toys some more?” Ben smiles and shakes his head yes. Oliver places him back on the floor by the toys. Oliver heads to the kitchen. Kyle and Roxy sit on the sofa talking and watching Ben play. “He is so adorable. He’s going to grow up and look just like his Daddy!” says Roxy. “He is the spittin image of Oliver that’s for sure,” says Kyle watching Ben play. “Better Oliver than that witch of a Mom.” “Rox please. Not in front of Ben. Stacy has her flaws, but she loves her son and he loves her. “Sorry pal. I just can’t stand all the crap she put everyone through. You and Fishy are great to let her still be a part of his life.” “Oliver wants him to know his Mom. Stacy has changed. She even sees Ben now without court appointed supervision,” says Kyle. “Well I still wouldn’t trust her. A leopard never changes its spots. She is always up to something,” whispers Roxy to Kyle as Ben continues to play on the floor. “Well she is his Mom. Oliver and I agree that it’s important for her to be a part of his life.” Then there is a big bang that comes from the kitchen. Roxy, Kyle and Ben all look to the kitchen doorway. “Sorry guys. Everything’s fine,” says Oliver as he pokes his head into the living area. “I better go check on him. He’s s a little tense about today,” says Kyle standing. “Can you keep an eye on Ben?” “You don’t even have to ask hot stuff,” says Roxy. Kyle walks over to Ben and pats him on the head. “Its okay buddy. Daddy is just makin sure that we aren’t sleepin out here. Go back to playin.” “Daddy made bang papa,” says Ben. “Yes Daddy did make bang. Papa is going to check on Daddy now,” says Kyle. “I’ll be right back.” Kyle exits the living room area. Roxy sits on the floor and begins playing with Ben. _________________________________________________________________________________________ “You ok?” asks Kyle as he enters the kitchen. “Yep. Sorry, I was getting the roasting pan out of the cabinet and it just slid out of my hand. Now I need to wash it. It’ll be a miracle if I ever get this bird in the oven.” Kyle walks over to the sink. “I’ll wash the pan. You start getting the turkey ready.” Oliver lets out a sigh of relief. “Thanks. I guess I am a little stressed out.” Kyle turns on the kitchen water and feels the water to ensure it is warm enough. “It’s going to be great. You’ll see.” Kyle washes the pan and dries it. Oliver gets the turkey out, opens the outer bag and bastes the turkey with butter, lemon juice, lemon zest and thyme leaves. “What next Mr. Chef?” “Can you get the onion, garlic, thyme leaves and other lemon out of the fridge?” asks Oliver. Kyle proceeds to the fridge and gets Oliver the needed items. Oliver grabs a cutting board, chops the onions, lemon and garlic as Kyle watches. Oliver then salts and peppers the cavity and stuffs it with the cut ingredients. Oliver places the turkey on the roasting rack in the roasting pan and places the bird in the oven. Oliver then cleans his work area, putting the dirty dishes in the nearby dishwasher. When Oliver closes the dishwasher he looks over to Kyle who is smiling. ‘What are you smiling at?” “You. I always think you are super hot in that apron. And when Cris gets here and puts his on, you two together are like a total wow.” “Kyle Lewis you’re so bad sometimes.” “You like it and ya know it,” says Kyle with another mischievous grin. “So what’s next on that ratty list of yours?” “I just need to tidy up around the house before the guests arrive,” says Oliver. “You cleaned the entire place form top to bottom yesterday. What else could you possibly have to do?” “Just a double check of everything.” “Oliver it’s fine. Everything looks great.” “I just have to make sure. Can you start setting the dining room table? The tablecloth is in the hutch in the dining room. We’ll use the nice china also. I am so glad that my Mom helped us pick out some china so we have a nice place settings.” “No one would mind just eating on paper plates. Today is about being together as a family. Are you sure that you really want to hand wash all the china?” “Paper plates. No way! And hand wash every dish we will.” “Oh really, maybe I don’t feel like it. You going to hand wash all those dishes by yourself?“ “So you’re not going to help me?” asks Oliver with a puppy dog look on his face. “Nope I am going on strike once everyone leaves,” says Kyle sticking to his stance. “I think paper plates are classy.” “Fine. I’ll do the dishes myself,” says Oliver his tension mounting. Kyle laughs noting the tension building inside Oliver. “You’re too much Oliver Fish. Go check the house. I’ll work on the table and yes I’ll help you with the dishes later. I just wanted see you get all worked up.” Oliver smiles shaking his head, grabs a nearby towel on the kitchen counter and throws it at Kyle’s head where it lands. “Good shot officer!” says Kyle as he pulls the towel off of his face. Oliver heads out of the kitchen to complete his final home inspection. Kyle heads to the dining room to set the table. _________________________________________________________________________________________ Kyle sets the last glass on the dining room table when Oliver enters the room. “Ok I am going to have a queen moment,” says Oliver as he enters the dining room. “The table looks so beautiful. Wow. I’m going to cry.” “Oliver it’s a table and some dishes.” “It’s our table and our china. I’m getting the camera?” “Really?” asks Kyle. “Be right back,” says Oliver walking out of the room to fetch the camera. He returns a few minutes later and starts snapping pictures of the table. The doorbell rings. “I’ve got it,” says Kyle as he heads out of the dining room. Oliver follows. Kyle opens the door to see Layla, Carlotta and Cris. Layla is holding the baby carrier while Cris and Carlotta are each holding two serving dishes in their hands. “Hey guys. Let me help you with some of those”. Kyle grabs one dish from Cris and one from Carlotta and heads towards the kitchen. “Come on in guys,” says Oliver. They enter and Oliver closes the door behind them. Kyle returns and grabs the other dishes from Cris and Carlotta. He takes off to the kitchen again. “Let me take your coats,” says Oliver. Layla, Cris and Carlotta hand the coats to Oliver. He takes them into the nearby guest room for storage. While Oliver is storing the coats, Kyle returns. “I am so glad you are here. Officer Fish is a little tense about today. Maybe you can help calm him down a bit.” Oliver walks in and overhears Kyle’s statement. “Kyle Lewis. I am fine. Quit telling our guests all my secrets.” “How is she today?” says Oliver looking down into the baby carrier. “She’s so beautiful. I’m so glad we could all be together today.” Oliver hugs Layla, Carlotta and Cris. “Kyle wants some hugs also,” says Kyle as he begins to hug the guests as well. “Roxy is in the living room with Ben,” says Oliver. “Great I can’t wait to see Ben and catch up with Roxy. Layla I can take Abbey and watch her while you guys are in the kitchen,” says Carlotta. “Thanks Carlotta,” says Layla handing the carrier to Carlotta. Ben then comes running out of the living room, Roxy following. “Unc Cris and Auntie Layla,” says Ben. Cris bends down to give Ben a hug. “Hey pal. How is my favorite god son today?” “Daddy made a big boom. Papa had to check that he ok.” “Really,” says Cris. Layla, Kyle, and Cris all look to Oliver who simply shrugs his shoulders. “Well Daddy can be a bit wild at times. Right Fish?” “Come here my big little guy,” says Layla bending down to give Ben a hug. The two hug. Roxy comes over to hug everyone also. “Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Carlotta lets take the little kids into the living room so that the big kids can work on our Thanksgiving feast.” Roxy and Carlotta head to the living room. Layla, Cris, Oliver and Kyle head to the kitchen. “Everything looks great guys. I can’t believe you got everything in the house looking so awesome so fast. I wish our place was a bit tidier, but we still seem to be living out of boxes,” says Layla as she enters the kitchen. “You know Oliver when he is on mission,” says Kyle. The group laughs. “Very funny guys,” says Oliver. Kyle walks over to a nearby drawer and pulls out another apron. He walks over to Cris. “Here you go. I have been waiting to see this all morning.” “Oh goody me too!” says Layla as she kisses Cris on the cheek. She grabs Kyle by the hand and they have a seat at the breakfast bar. “Well I can’t disappoint my audience,” says Cris as he throws on the apron. Oliver puts his apron back on also and joins Cris behind the counter. “So where do we start?” “Lets get these dishes in the fridge and then we can peel and slice the potatoes for the mashed potatoes,” says Cris. “What’s in all the dishes Cris?” asks Kyle. “Green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, Jell-O salad and corn pudding,“ says Cris. “Can’t wait to eat. I’m getting hungry already,” says Kyle. Cris and Oliver place the dishes in the refrigerator and grab the potatoes. Cris peels and Oliver slices. “Can you flip on the TV Fish? Maybe Detroit can actually win a game this year,” says Cris. “Right Cris, Detroit win a Thanksgiving game? Ha.” says Oliver as he grabs the remote and turns on the TV, which is in the fridge door. “I’ll still can’t believe you guys have a TV in the fridge door,” says Layla. “Well I really don’t care about the fridge TV myself. My eyes are focused on these two hot men in red aprons in my kitchen,” says Kyle. Cris and Oliver smile. “I agree Kyle. Who needs TV when you have this view,” says Layla. Both Kyle and Layla lean their elbows on the counter and prop their heads up with their hands to watch the boys peel and slice the potatoes. “So Oliver how many more guests are we expecting?” asks Cris. “It should just be Nick and my Mom,” answers Oliver. “So how is Nick?” asks Layla sitting back up. “Still pretty shaken up. I can’t imagine what he is going through. If anything ever happened to Oliver or Ben I would be beside myself,” says Kyle. “I think he is trying to be strong, but I know it’s killing him inside. I hope today isn’t too much for him, but he insisted on coming over. He said he didn’t want to be alone and he wasn’t ready to face his family yet. It’s so sad. Nick and Adam were so happy and then for Adam to just be gone. Drunk drivers make me so mad,” says Oliver as he continues to slice potatoes. The doorbell then rings. Kyle jumps up. “I’ll get it.” Kyle heads to the door. Kyle smiles when he see Nick. “Hey you! Come on in.” Nick enters and Kyle closes the door. “Pecan pie as requested!” says Nick. “Thank you sir.” Oliver enters. “Hey Nick! I’ll take your coat.” Nick takes off his coat and hands it to Oliver. Oliver brings him into a hug. “I’m glad you’re here.” “Me too,” says Nick as he hugs Oliver. “I appreciate the invite.” “Your always welcome here,” says Oliver. The hug disbands. Oliver takes the coat to the guest room. Kyle lays the pie temporarily on a nearby table. He walks over to Nick. “Hey. How are you?” Nick shrugs his shoulder. “Hanging in there.” “If you need anything you let me know,” says Kyle as he brings him into a hug. “Thanks Kyle,” says Nick with a cracked voice. Some tears well up in his eyes. A few minutes later the hug disbands. Kyle grabs a nearby Kleenex for Nick to wipe away the tears. “Are you ready to watch the traditional ‘hot guys in red aprons’ Thanksgiving program?” asks Kyle. “Sounds great. I’ll meet you in the kitchen. I want to say hi to Ben first. By the way the place looks great! You guys really got things put in order fast.” “That’s all Oliver. You know how organized and anal he can be,” says Kyle. “I’ll see you in a few minutes in the kitchen. Ben is in the living room with Roxy, Carlotta and Abbey, “ says Kyle. “Cool. I can see the baby! I bet she is beautiful,” says Nick. “That she is. I’ll see you in a few minutes,” says Kyle exiting towards the kitchen. On his way into the living area Nick runs into Oliver. Nick grabs him by the arm and pulls him into the guest room. “Are you still going to surprise Kyle?” “Are you positive that you’re okay with me doing this? If it’s too hard for you then I don’t have to do it today,” says a concerned Oliver. “Oliver you have been planning this since last Thanksgiving. Adam would want you to do it. It’s time. I will be okay. I appreciate you thinking about me,” says Nick. Oliver brings Nick into another hug. “Thanks for being a good friend Nick. Kyle and I are here if you need anything.” “Thanks Oliver.” The two continue to hug as Nick fights the tears again. He is thankful to have Kyle and Oliver in his life. _________________________________________________________________________________________ A few hours pass. Nick, Layla and Kyle watch Cris and Oliver preparing the meal as they yell at the TV from time to time when a football play goes awry. Carlotta and Roxy are still talking in the living room area as Ben naps in a nearby oversized chair. Abbey is fast asleep in Carlotta’s arms. The doorbell rings again. Oliver throws down a dishtowel on the counter. “That has to be my Mom. I’ll get it. Can you hold down the fort for a few seconds Cris?” “I think I can manage. I can always ask the audience for assistance if need be.” Cris looks over at Layla, Kyle and Nick and their glasses of wine. The wine was a gift from John McBain, Oliver’s boss. John sending his right hand guy Oliver a bottle of wine had become a regular tradition of the Kish Family Thanksgivings. John always had Oliver’s back and Oliver was appreciative to have John on his side. Oliver exits the kitchen and heads to the front door. “Hey Mom,” says Oliver as he opens the door. Oliver is immediately dumbfounded to see his Dad, George Fish, standing behind Barbara. “Hey son. I hope it’s okay that I brought your Dad along. He really wants to see Ben. He misses him so much.” Oliver is speechless from shock. He wasn’t anticipating his Dad being here today. His Dad and him had barely uttered five or six words to each other in the past three years since Oliver announced he was gay, Kyle then walks in behind Oliver noting Oliver’s expression. He sees George standing behind Barbara. He places his hand on Oliver’s back and stands next to him. “Are you okay?” Oliver tries to speak but the words will not come. He runs to the guest room. “Come on in Barbara” Kyle motions her in with his hand. George remains standing outside the door not saying a word as Barbara enters. “You too Mr. Fish. I’m glad you could make it.” George enters and stands by Barbara. “Kyle are you sure this is a good idea? Oliver looked really upset,” says Barbara. “I’ll take both of your coats. I’ll talk to Oliver. He just needs to take it in. Ben is in the living room with Roxy and Carlotta. Just go down the hall, it’s the second right.” Barbara and George head down the hall. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Kyle enters the guest room with Barbara and George’s coats. He lays them on the bed. Oliver is sitting in a chair over in the corner of the room. Kyle sits down on the floor in front of the chair and places his hands on Oliver’s knees. “What’s going on in that head of yours?” asks Kyle. “I wish she had told me he was coming. How could she ruin a great day by bringing him here?” Kyle sighs and looks down to the floor and back up at Oliver. “That’s my fault. I told her not to tell you.” ‘What? Why would you do that Kyle! Why?” asks Oliver, as his face turns red with anger. “I can’t believe this. He is the last person I want to see today.” “I know Oliver. I think it is important that we try to fix things with George as much as possible for Ben’s sake. I didn’t tell you sooner because I didn’t want you stressing out about the visit. You were already stressed out enough.” “I don’t want our son to know hate like my father displays to us all the time. This is a real bad idea Kyle.” “Give it a chance Oliver. Barbara said she talked to George. She told him this would only happen if he kept his opinions and comments about us to himself.” “You and Mom believe him? He hates who we are Kyle. That is never going to change. You know that.” “Look Oliver. What I know is that George loves Ben. He’s his grandson. The only one he has right now. He helped raise him for the first year of his life.” Oliver pushes Kyle’s hands off of his knees and walks over towards the room window and looks out. “I know Kyle and they did okay by Ben, but I still resent them and the courts so much for taking him away from me and Stacy.” “Stacy was in no condition to help you raise Ben.” “I know, but you were. We were trying to make things work. You were so great with Ben and you didn’t run away when you found out about him. Stupid courts.” Kyle places his hands on Oliver’s shoulders and buries his head into Oliver’s back. “I know Oliver, but we have Ben now. I want to help you get your father back. I want Ben to know is grandfather. On some level I know you want that those things too. “I don’t think it’s possible. My Dad told me when they took Ben away that he no longer had a son. How do we get past that?” Kyle lifts his head up and turns Oliver around to face him. “We take one baby step at a time. Just let him stay and see Ben. You don’t even have to talk to him. Lets see if he can behave himself. If he doesn’t Barbara has agreed they will leave immediately. Please Oliver give this a chance. I want you to be happy.” “I am happy with you and Ben. I don’t need him.” “Look me in the eyes and tell me you don’t want him in your life.” Oliver looks away. “You know I can’t Kyle, but I really don’t want him here. It brings back all these painful memories. He is so cold and hateful. I don’t want Ben around those traits.” “You know he is not like that around Ben. What’s happening here?” “I don’t want him to win. If I let him back in then he wins. He has the upper hand like he always has had in our relationship. I want that control. I want him to see me for the man I am. I want him to hurt like he has hurt me. I’m sorry. I sound so horrible.” Kyle grabs Oliver’s hands with his. “Hey you are not horrible. You’re hurt. What he did to you and how he treated you was so not fair. But you have a shot here to be the better man. Let him stay. If he gets out of line you kick him out. You show him who’s in control in this house. He is your guest. This is your home. He controls nothing here. You do.” Oliver brings Kyle into a hug. “Okay. Will you promise to be at my side. I always feel like such a little kid around him. Its like I lose myself.” Kyle hugs Oliver tighter. “I’ll be right here by your side the entire time. You’re in control Oliver. If you need to lean on me I am right here.” Oliver brings Kyle into a kiss. The kiss stops and Oliver looks into Kyle’s eyes. “I am so lucky to have you. You and Ben are the best things in my life. I feel complete with you. I feel whole. Seeing my Dad rocks the foundation of that that feeling and I hate it.” “I know, but Ben and I are not going anywhere. You have us. And we’re super extra lucky to have you. Lean on me today. We’ll get through this. Ready to go face the guests?” Oliver grabs Kyle by his right hand and leads him out the door. “As ready as I’ll ever be.” The two walk out of the guest room. _________________________________________________________________________________________ Several hours later the entire group is sitting at the dining room table. Oliver sits at the head of the table, Kyle sits to his right, followed by Nick, Roxy and Carlotta sitting at the end of the table, which she is sharing with Cris.. Barbara is to Oliver’s left, followed by George and Layla, Abbey is in the corner between Layla and Cris fast asleep again. Ben is sitting in the corner between Kyle and Oliver. Everyone is finishing up dessert when Kyle speaks. “I want to thank all of you for coming and making this such a wonderful day. Its means the world to Oliver, Ben and myself to have all of you in our lives. Thanks so much for sharing this day with us in our new home.” Kyle pauses. “And to continue a Kish (as Layla and Cris affectionately call our family) tradition I thought we could each say something that we are thankful for today. Nick can you start us off? Nick stands. “I am thankful that I had Adam in my life for the short period of time that I did. I know he is here in spirit with us all today.” Tears form in Nick’s eyes. “I also want to thank Kyle and Oliver for being the best friends a guy could ever have. I know we have had our issues in the past, but you guys mean the world to me and I just want you to know that.” Nick sits. Kyle grabs and squeezes Nick’s hand. Oliver places his hand over their hands. Each guest then stands and sits in turn. “I just want to thank you all for letting me be a part of your family. I know I am a little eccentric and over the top at times, but I really do enjoy being a part of all this. I am super thankful for little Ben. I now know we may not be related by blood, but the little tyke is still my grandson and I love him too death,” says Roxy. “I am thankful for life, for my son, his beautiful wife and my darling granddaughter. I love all of you so much and am proud to be here.,” says Carlotta. “I am thankful to have three beautiful ladies in my life. My Mommi, my Lalya and my baby girl Abbey, ” says Cris. Layla and Carlotta smile at Cris. They each grab one of Cris’s hands to hold. “Thanks to you Oliver and Kyle for welcoming us into your home and being such super friends. I love you guys.” “I of course am thankful for my baby girl, my super husband and the best extended family a girl could have. You guys rock and I appreciate you all so much. Thanks for being a part of my life,” says Layla. There is a brief moment of tension in the room as it is now Oliver’s Dad’s turn to say a few words George looks to Barbara who gives him a very stern look. George reluctantly stands. “I want to thank you Oliver for letting me be here today and seeing my grandson. I love Ben with all my heart. I know it was not easy having me here today, but I sincerely appreciate the effort.” Kyle grabs Oliver’s hand to offer his support as George continues to talk. “I want to thank my great wife Barbara for putting up with all of my baggage and issues over the years. And a sincere thanks to all of you for being cordial with me today.” Oliver starts to debate if he can go through with his surprise for Kyle with his Dad in the room. “I am thankful for my son, my grandson and my husband. I always want to give out a sincere thanks to the man who has my son’s heart,” says Barbara as she looks over at Kyle. “I appreciate you so much Kyle. You have become a truly good friend to me. The love you have for my Oliver and my Ben is so real and genuine. I’m glad your part of the family. I wouldn’t have it any other way, “ George cringes a bit at Barbara’s words. This does not go unnoticed by Oliver. Oliver continues to debate with himself if he can go through with the surprise for Kyle. Everyone now looks at Oliver. “Kyle can you go first please? I need to gather my thoughts,” says Oliver. Kyle bends over and whispers to Oliver. “Are you okay? You look like your going to hyperventilate.” Oliver grabs his hand. “I’m ok. I just ate to much food.” Just then Ben starts crying to get out of his feeding station seat. Kyle stand and picks Ben up removing the very dirty bib from around his son’s neck. “Well let’s see. “ Kyle bounces Ben around a little in his arms. This seems to calm Ben down. “I am thankful for this little guy in my arms.” Kyle places a kiss on Ben’s forehead. “I am thankful for all of you. Your friendships, your love and support.” Kyle shifts Ben to his other arm. He reaches for Oliver to stand and grabs his hand. “And you. You have made all my dreams come true. If someone had told me back in college that I would eventually be with you and raising a son, I literally would have had to ask them what they were smokin. But here I am. I am happier than I have ever been and I owe that to you Oliver Fish. You are a super dad, a great boyfriend, your funny, your attractive, your smart and you’re my everything.” A tear forms in Kyle’s eye as Oliver wraps his arm around Kyle. “Thanks for sticking with us, with me. I can’t imagine life without you.” Oliver whispers into Kyle’s ear. “I love you.” Kyle whispers back: “I love you too.” Hearing Kyle’s words helps Oliver decide to continue with his surprise. Kyle sits back down. Oliver grabs Ben and walks him over to Roxy. “Can you watch him for a second Rox?” “Sure thing Fishy,” says Roxy. Oliver walks back over to the head of the table. “I want to thank all of you for being here today. I am proud to be connected to so many wonderful people and to be a part of something so special. You’re all simply amazing. I cannot express in words how much y’all mean to me. Thanks for being a part of my life.” Oliver looks over to George. “And thanks to you Dad for helping me be the man I am today. We have our differences, but I still love you and always will.” “I love you Daddy,” says Ben as he watches his Daddy talk to the group. Everyone around the table smiles. Oliver also smiles and chuckles. “I love you too baby boy. With all my heart.” Oliver looks over to Kyle. Kyle is looking up at him. “Dr. Kyle Lewis. My boyfriend, my lover, my best friend, my biggest supporter and my most vocal fan. Words cannot do justice to what you mean to me. I am thankful to have you in my life every single day.” Oliver gets down on one knee and looks up at Kyle. “I want to make it official. I want the rings you gave us back in 2009 to move from the chains to our hands. Will you marry me Dr. Lewis? Will you make an honest man out of me?” Kyle is dumbfounded by what is happening. Was Oliver down on one knee in front of him proposing? Was this real? Was this some kind of trick. Kyle is unable to speak. Oliver takes Kyle’s hand and squeezes it. This jolts Kyle out of his trance. “So what do you say? Are you up to being with a geeky cop, a person who sometimes has ranting episodes and a guy who never replaces the lid on the toothpaste for the rest of your life? Kyle?” Kyle is so proud of Oliver in this moment that tears build and fall from his eyes. Oliver just proposed to him while his very non-supportive father sat in the same room. “Yes I will. I’ll marry you Oliver Fish. I’ve been waitin for you since forever,” says Kyle . Oliver jumps up and brings Kyle into a passionate kiss. Oliver picks Kyle up and spins him around. He brings Kyle back down and they kiss again. “Daddy and Papa. Kiss, kiss,” says Ben as all eyes are glued to Oliver and Kyle, except for George who is looking in the opposite direction. Everyone gets up and goes over to congratulate Kyle and Oliver. _________________________________________________________________________________________ Later that night Oliver and Kyle are laying in bed. Kyle’s head is resting on Oliver’s chest. “Good night Mr. Oliver Lewis.” Oliver smiles. “Good night Mr. Kyle Fish.” Kyle smiles. ________________________________________________________________________________________ The end. |
| addicted2Kish | Nov 25 2009, 08:32 AM Post #6 |
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8.20.10<3
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awwwwwww |
| kyboom | Nov 25 2009, 09:10 AM Post #7 |
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Michael
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:grin: I always wonder if I make the two guys way too sappy, but I love the idea of them being so intimate and into each other. They are soul mates. Hopefully its not too over the top. |
| addicted2Kish | Nov 25 2009, 09:31 AM Post #8 |
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8.20.10<3
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Its not & yes, they are definitely soulmates :sigh: |
| kyboom | Nov 25 2009, 10:01 AM Post #9 |
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Michael
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Thanks for the feedback Meli! |
| addicted2Kish | Nov 25 2009, 10:10 AM Post #10 |
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8.20.10<3
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No problem, KB. I'm a writer as well & I love getting feedback, so I figured you would too. Working on anything else? |
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2:48 AM Jul 11