Evening Gentleman Page 8

  I wanted Aiden to say that he would meet me somewhere, but I did not get my wish. So much for wishful thinking.

  Video “Games”

  As all the faculty and staff began to gather in the auditorium for a professional development Leslie accidently bumped into Aiden. They both looked at each other with tension. Neither knew what to say or how to say it.

  AIDEN

  Um excuse me.

  Leslie looked at Aiden with hate in her eyes. The thought of her husband being sexual with another man was devastating. What made it worse was that he was sexual active with one of her best friends.

  LESLIE (hesitantly)

  How have you been?

  AIDEN

  Well and yourself?

  LESLIE

  I am doing good.

  AIDEN

  I am glad to hear that.

  Without reservation Leslie reached out and hugged Aiden. As she laid her head in his chest she began to weep. Aiden wrapped her tightly. The emotions were intense. Ryann rubbed them both on the back.

  Aiden released his grasp and held Leslie by the shoulders. He explained that he never meant to hurt her. He wanted her to know that he has always been a friend to her but he didn’t know how to tell her that he was gay. Leslie nodded her head as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

  Principal Washington began to speak on the microphone instructing everyone to take a seat so that they could begin. She started to give a pep speech about state testing that was coming up. Her voice was authoritative and energetic.

  Before they knew it, it was almost time for lunch. Aiden received a text from Leslie asking where he was going for lunch. His reply to her was that he and a few coaches were going on out for lunch. Leslie acknowledged that she understood.

  Upon returning to the school, teachers began to assembly in the media room for a video about Establishing a Culture for Learning. The chatter was loud and everyone joked about being sleepy. No one felt that they would be able to stay awake for the film. Aiden found a seat in the back corner where he could lay his head just in case he fell asleep.

  Leslie and a few friends walked in late. When they passed Aiden, she kicked him on the foot.

  LESLIE

  Wake up. You might learn something from this video.

  AIDEN

  Take notes for me.

  They both smiled and Leslie walked on to her seat. Principal Washington started with a brief overview of the film. She explained that she watched it last night and it was very informative. She wanted everyone to take note because it may be something that they could take back to their classrooms.

  She took the remote and pressed play and the video started. The first few minutes started and Aiden laid his head over on the wall. Principal Washington walked out to receive a phone call. The next scene changed everything. Suddenly there were gasp that filled the room. Aiden heard commotions and held his head up. When he looked up there on the screen were he and a man having sex.

  Aiden jumped up and stopped the video. He took the video from the DVD player. He scanned the room to find Leslie. He raced over to her and pulled her by her collar.

  AIDEN

  You bitch! You did this! You set this up!

  Leslie pushed Aiden off of her. She launched at him knocking him over the table behind him. He tried to get to her but people where holding him back. Aiden’s profanity filled the room as he was being escorted out of the media room.

  Principal Washington heard the commotion.

  PRINCIPAL WASHINGTON

  What’s going on?

  Aiden was too upset to say anything. He paced the hallway while the coaches explained what happened in the media room.

  Leslie came out of the room. When Aiden spotted her, he raced towards her. He was in arms length when he grabbed her hair. Everyone struggled to get him off her. Aiden was too busy trying to ravage Leslie. Once he released her hair, Leslie screamed out obscenities.

  PRINCIPAL WASHINGTON

  Both of you – in my office now!

  This is Love

  Demarcus set up a special date for him and Aiden. Demarcus was excited because he wanted to make it a night for Aiden to remember. Aiden had been busy trying to find a new place and with work from school – he was really frustrated. While Aiden was at work Demarcus had taken all day to make sure that he had the right outfit, a fresh twist to his dreads, and cologne. He hired a caterer and decorator to come in and prepare his house.

  Demarcus received several calls and texts congratulating him on the team’s big win. He stopped and chatted for a moment but he did not want to waste too much time on the phone and not be ready for Aiden. When he looked at his watch he noticed that it was almost time for Aiden to get off. He quickly dialed Aiden’s phone, but didn’t get an answer. He quickly hopped in the shower.

  When he finished he put on the clothes that he had laid out. He checked himself in the mirror and hoped that he wasn’t overdressed. He walked back into the kitchen and the dinner area. Everything looked perfect. He was just waiting on Aiden to arrive.

  When Demarcus looked at his watch again it was 6:00 P.M. He sat at the table and twiddled his fingers. He tried calling Aiden again but no answer. Demarcus became very nervous. He didn’t know what to think. He knew that Aiden didn’t have a house showing today.

  Suddenly he heard the chime of the alarm when the door opened. It could be no one but Aiden. Demarcus grabbed a glass of champagne off the table and raced to the door. When he approached Aiden he noticed that his demeanor wasn’t normal. Demarcus had a look of concern of his face.

  DEMARCUS

  What’s wrong man?

  AIDEN

  I was suspended from work today.

  DEMARCUS

  What?! Why?

  AIDEN

  We had a professional development today. Everything was going good until after lunch. The principal was showing a video and in the mist of the video…umm…it went to me and a man having sex.

  Demarcus dropped the glass of champagne. They both bent down to pick it up. While Aiden was picking up the broken glass, Demarcus went and got a towel. He then escorted Aiden to the dining room and pulled out a chair for him. Aiden was completely shocked and surprised at what he saw. The servants started the meal with a chef salad.

  DEMARCUS

  How did the film get in there?

  AIDEN

  I am not sure. Do you remember Leslie? The woman whose “husband” I was in a relationship with. I believe she had something to do with it.

  DEMARCUS

  Why?

  AIDEN

  I just do. I just want to forget about that. What is all of this?

  DEMARCUS

  First off, did you watch the game?

  AIDEN

  I did.

  DEMARCUS

  I want you to know that I was talking to you. Over the past few weeks that you have been here in my house I have fallen for you. I remember when I first saw you in the gym. My heart skipped seventeen beats.

  AIDEN

  You need to stop.

  DEMARCUS

  I am so serious right now. I have loved having you here.

  AIDEN

  I have enjoyed being here, but I know that you want your space back. I am looking for….

  DEMARCUS

  Stop – don’t say anything else.

  Demarcus walked over to Aiden. He took a chair from the table and placed it in front of him. He grabbed Aiden’s hand and caressed the top of it. He looked Aiden in the eyes and smiled.

  DEMARCUS

  I am the guy for you. I am the guy who can wrestle with you and let you win. I am the guy who you can talk to about anything. I will laugh at all of your jokes. When we go to the games you can put your cold hands in my warm hoodie pockets. I will let you use my sweatshirt for a pillow. I will say I love you and mean it. I will kiss you in the rain, in the sunshine, and in the snow. I will call you unexpectedly. We will have many inside jokes when we go out. I will notice your hairc
uts. I will realize that you will say things that you don’t mean when you are upset. We can go swimming on hot summer days. You can tell me all of your problems while I give you a foot massage. I will listen instinctively. When we vacation to the islands – I will bring you seashells, write you love letters, save my genuine big smiles for you. I am a guy with deep eyes that can see through faces into the depth of your soul. I want to know your favorite color, song, car, vegetable, cologne and even the color of your toothbrush. I will shake your dad’s hand and look your mom in the eyes. I will call you by your full name – first, middle, and last. I want to kiss you and tell you that you are beautiful. I want to compliment and play with you. I will brag to my friends about you. I want to tell you that you have a smile that can light up a room.

  AIDEN

  Get out of here. I bet you tell everyone that.

  DEMARCUS

  Are you really going to say that to me? I just poured out my heart to you and you stomped it.

  AIDEN

  Demarcus…I keep thinking of how much I love talking to you, how good you look when you smile. I think constantly about how much I love your laugh. I daydream about you off and on, replaying our conversations; laugh at funny things that you said or did. I have memorized your face and the way that you look at me. I catch myself smiling at what I imagine. I have often wondered what would happen the next time we were together and even though neither of us know what the future holds, I know one thing for sure…you are the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

  Demarcus met Aiden with a soft and gentle kiss. They both stood and held each other. Aiden stared into Demarcus’ eyes. Demarcus lead him to the couch where he began to kiss him passionately. He stopped and rubbed his face. He studied every angle of his face. He played with Aiden’s thick eyebrows. Demarcus gently teased his lips with tongue. This made Aiden get closer to Demarcus.

  DEMARCUS

  I don’t want to make love to you.

  AIDEN

  Okay.

  DEMARCUS

  I want to hold you right here. I want you to forget everything that happened today.

  They both leaned back into the couch. Demarcus wrapped his arms around Aiden. He picked up the remote control and pointed it towards the TV. He stopped when he found the movie The Clock with Judy Garland.

  They nestled into each other and watched the movie.

  What I’m Going to Do to You

  I tracked down O’Keefe to a modeling studio. I waited patiently for him to come into the dressing room to change for his next shoot. I wanted and needed to talk to him personally. I hid behind the large wooden storage cabinet that was cater-cornered next to an empty wall. As he began to undress I watched him. Seeing his body made me think of the night that we spent in my office. When he turned his back I creep upon him. He was startled when he turned around. I made sure that I was close to him.

  NATHAN

  I should kill you right now.

  O’KEEFE

  What are you talking about?

  NATHAN

  Running a truck into my business.

  O’KEEFE

  I don’t know what you are talking about.

  NATHAN

  I believe you had something to do with a video being played at my wife’s job.

  O’KEEFE

  I don’t know your wife.

  NATHAN

  You saw her picture on my desk.

  O’KEEFE

  Yes, I saw it, but I don’t know her.

  I began to walk forward towards O’Keefe. He took one step back for every step I took forward. I pulled a handkerchief from my pocket and started to wrap it around my right fist. I notice when O’Keefe’s eyes looked down to watch me. I assured him that everything would be alright if he told me the truth.

  O’KEEFE

  Look man I told you the truth. I don’t know anything.

  NATHAN

  You were pissed that I didn’t give you the loan for this shoot. Apparently you found some fool to give you the money.

  O’KEEFE

  No. Actually I am using my college refund to pay for this.

  NATHAN

  Oh, you are in school. Where?

  O’KEEFE

  L-State.

  NATHAN

  Good school. Major?

  O’KEEFE (with a tremble in his voice)

  Ah…engineering.

  NATHAN

  Are you sure?

  O’KEEFE

  Yes. Look man…please don’t kill me. I thought about doing something to you, but I didn’t. It was a fuck. I got used. I moved on.

  I felt sorry for the young man when I saw water forming in his eyes.

  NATHAN

  I will do you a favor. I will let you live. But I don’t want to see or hear from you again. Comprende?

  O’KEEFE

  Yes.

  I tapped him in the face twice and walked out of the room. As I was leaving the building I smiled and acknowledged the people in the lobby. I noticed a woman with blonde hair run to the dressing room as I reached the door. She knocked on the door and called for O’Keefe. She called his name again but there was no response. When she opened the door she screamed to the top of her lungs.

  I rushed back to the dressing room. I looked down and saw O’Keefe lying in a pool of blood. He eyes were wide open with no life in them. The blonde haired lady started to hit me. She repeatedly asked me what I had done. I grabbed her hands before she could hit me again.

  The police and emergency service unit arrived within twenty minutes. We all were questioned by the detectives. I explained to the police that O’Keefe was alive when I left the dressing room. One officer recognized me from when the truck ran into my building. He came over and began to question me also. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small notebook. After flipping through a few pages he looked at me.

  DETECTIVE

  Didn’t you tell me that an O’Keefe Wilson came into your office for a loan and was denied.

  NATHAN

  Yes sir.

  He pulled the other detective to the side. They spoke softly with many hand gestures. Within minutes they came back to me and told me that I had to go down to the police department for more questioning. I complied with the gentlemen.

  I was arrested for the murder of O’Keefe. I had never been to jail before. Not even for a visit. After spending the night, Leslie bailed me out the next morning. I could not talk to her as hard as she tried to make me talk. I didn’t want to say anything. All I wanted to do was go home, shower, and get into my own bed.

  It’s Over

  I didn’t know what to expect as we walked into the church. My mind wondered what everyone would think of me. Would they accept the words that I was about to deliver? Leslie squeezed my hand tightly as we walked in. I saw head turn, squinting eyes, people nudging others, and I even heard mumbling.

  NATHAN

  I don’t know if we should be here today.

  LESLIE

  We belong here just as much as anyone else. I have forgiven you. That is all that you should be concerned with.

  NATHAN

  I am going to go and find the bishop.

  As I walked pass people I tried to speak. Only a handful spoke back while some laughed in my face. When I got the Bishop Parnell’s office I knocked lightly. I heard a strong voice telling me to enter. I walked in and hugged him. I thanked him for giving me an opportunity to express myself.

  He took time and prayed for me. I allowed my heart to be open and receive it. When he finished he expressed to me that everything was going to be alright. As we were going into the sanctuary, someone came rushing by and clipped me on my arm. I looked back to see who it was but they vanished. I looked at the sleeve of my coat to make sure that there wasn’t a tear.

  I heard the choir singing as we walked through the doors. As I took my seat I found Leslie sitting in her usual seat. I tapped my foot to the beat of the music. My head went from side to side meditating on the lyrics. When
they finished Bishop Parnell walked to the pulpit and said some very encouraging words. I knew that it would soon be my time to speak. I could feel the sweat rolling down my back. I wiped my forehand with my hand.

  I walked to the podium that was only fifteen feet away. My mind was telling me that it was one hundred feet away. I placed my hands on the side and looked down. My heart was beating out of my chest.

  NATHAN

  I stand before you today to say a few things. I want to start off by…

  PARISHIONER #1 (standing and interrupting)

  Frankly, I don’t want to hear anything that you have to say. We all heard you and your wife arguing and fighting in the back. I don’t know why you came back here.

  NATHAN

  Sister I understand. That is why…

  PARISHIONER #1

  Why are you here?

  NATHAN

  If you would close your mouth and let me talk you will know why I am here.

  PARISHIONER #1

  I don’t have to stand for this.

  NATHAN

  Ma’am you can have a seat at anytime.

  PARISHIONER #1

  How dare you talk to me this way? I have been a member here longer than you have been alive.

  NATHAN

  Great. So are you ready to rest?

  The sister clutched her pearls and gasped. Out of the corner of my left eye I could see that Bishop Parnell rose from his seat.

  NATHAN

  Sister let me apologize. I didn’t mean to speak those words to you. Do you accept my apology?

  She sat down without uttering another word. I can’t say that I felt bad for checking her but how I handled it was totally inappropriate. I started by apologizing to the church for what happened. I explained to them that it would not happen again. I scanned the faces as I spoke. I wanted to see the reactions. I wanted to see if they felt the pain that was in me as I spoke.