The Drifter--Chapter Seven
As soon as Justin walks in, Daphne knows that something is wrong. She quickly pries him from Brian's arm, brings him into the kitchen, and begins to squeeze the truth out of him.
"It was Chris Hobbs, as usual."
"I knew it!" Daphne exclaims, obviously heated. "When is he just going to leave us alone?"
"Hopefully soon. Brian seemed to scare him, but I don't know for how long. Probably about five seconds!" Justin angrily brushes back his long bangs and sighs loudly.
Daphne puts a reassuring hand on Justin's shoulder. "We'll be alright. We've gotten through this shit before. We'll do it again."
Justin moves closer to Daphne and gives her a hug. "Thanks, Daph."
"Of course. What are friends for?" she answers, grinning. "So what did Brian say to Hobbs?"
"He told him that he would cut off his nuts and feed them to him."
"O, my God! That must have been great to see! I wish I had seen the look on his face."
"I don't know. I was so scared; I couldn't even look at him."
"It'll be alright, Justin. Let's get you back to your gorgeous man!"
Brian is still standing in the hallway, hands in his pockets, when Justin and Daphne come out of the kitchen. "Hey," he says to Justin, the concern on his face apparent.
"I'm OK, Brian." He leans in and kisses Brian's cheek, whispering in his ear. "Really. I'm much stronger than I appear." When he flashes him a brilliant smile, Brian knows that just talking with Daphne must have made him feel better about his brush with Chris Hobbs.
Justin quickly takes his hand and pulls him toward the living room. The same friends from the other night are sitting in almost the same positions. Brian waves and smiles at the friends that he already knows. Justin brings him over to a few new people who are sitting in a group on the floor.
"Hey, guys. This is my friend, Brian." A chorus of smiles, waves and ogling looks are directed Brian's way. "Brian, this is Beth, Lucas and Scott."
"Hi," Brian says and shakes all of their hands. He then goes over to Tim, Sophia, Jaime, and Brad, whom he had met a few nights ago, and says hello to each by name.
"I'm impressed," Sophia says. "He remembered all of our names."
"Yeah, and he was stoned too! Very impressive." Tim immediately hands Brian a joint to smoke.
"You're such a pusher," Brian says to Tim.
"Well, if you don't want it…" he says tugging it away.
"Oh, I didn't say that…" Brian takes two puffs and passes it to Justin. He leads Justin to the unoccupied, oversized chair. Brian sits in the chair first and then pulls Justin into his lap. "Is this OK?" he whispers into Justin's ear.
"Yeah," Justin says happily. "I haven't officially come out to Lucas and Beth, but I don't think it's a surprise either."
"Good, because I wasn't going to let you get up anyway," Brian whispers seductively.
"Oh, really?"
"Mmmm," Brian hums into his ear. Brian's lips nip at his ear, his tongue pokes out and carries on down Justin's neck, licking and kissing him gently. "I wish we were home," Brian says against his neck. "Alone. Just you and me in my bed, naked."
"O, God," Justin almost whimpers.
"Ahem!" Tim is standing over them, smiling and holding the joint. "It's your hit, Brian." Brian takes the joint from Tim, and Tim walks back to the couch. Brian takes another two puffs and hands it to Justin.
Justin gets up to bring the smoldering joint to Daphne. "You guys are sooo cute together!"
Justin sighs exaggeratedly, rolling his eyes. "You're such a girl!"
Daphne punches him lightly on the shoulder. "Shut up!" She smiles, takes her hit and passes it to Scott. "I'm serious, though. You are really sweet together."
"Thanks. I feel good about him." Justin looks down shyly. "I like being close to him. When he touches me…I just feel like I'm on fire. Hot and cold at the same time." Justin glances at Daphne.
"You've got it bad, Taylor." She tousles his silky hair and gives him a quick hug. "I'm happy for you. You deserve it." She gives him a little push toward Brian. "Go back to him."
Justin settles himself into Brian's lap. "What was that all about?"
"Daphne says we're 'cute'," Justin explains shrugging.
"Oh, God. She is such a girl."
"That's exactly what I told her."
"All right, everybody!" Daphne announces loudly. "We're about to start the movie. Does everyone have their munchies?" Everyone nods their heads. "OK, let's begin."
Bright red, lips appear on the screen, and Brian knows immediately what movie they're watching: The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Brian likes the movie; he has seen it a few times, and even went once to the small movie theater in Pittsburgh to see it on the big screen back when there were weekly, midnight showings. "Have you seen this before?" Brian asks.
"No," Justin answers worrying his bottom lip. "What is it?"
"Heh heh, you'll see. It's a really great movie. I think you'll like it. It was originally a play—very dramatic."
"Ohhh, Tim Curry! Barry Bostwick? Isn't he that old guy from Spin City—the mayor?"
"Yeah, it's him, but much younger."
Justin and Brian settle into a comfortable silence, as Justin sits in rapt attention. Brian feels himself starting to get drowsy and nod off. Working all day has drained his energy. A nap will probably make him more awake later. Mmmm, later… Brian thinks about finally having Justin to himself again as he quietly drifts into a shallow sleep.
Justin feels Brian drift off and start to breathe evenly. He knows what a hard day it must have been for him. All of that gardening and digging is physically draining, he is sure. And he had done so much that day. The gardens had never looked that nice. His mother loves to garden, but a lot of the heavy labor she is unable to do by herself. Meeting Brian in that diner has been fortuitous for a few reasons. Justin glances at Brian's peaceful face, and he can't help himself. He leans and kisses him lightly on the nose. He doesn't wake. Good, Justin thinks. He'll need his strength later.
Justin shifts his attention back to the movie. Brian is right; it is a really good film. All about free love, and being true to whomever you are--a relevant message for every generation. No wonder why this film has endured since the 70's. The socio-political commentary aside, it is also a rather randy film. Justin finds himself turned on by Dr. Frank-N-Furter and Brad too.
Justin becomes so involved in the characters that he begins tearing up as Riff Raff continues to shoot Frank-N-Furter. It's sad, but Earth just wasn't ready for Frank. Justin, always the empathizer, sees both sides. Riff Raff is much like Chris Hobbs: they both don't want to see things change, even if they are for the better. They both feel that they have to destroy everything foreign to them; they are both afraid of what they don't understand and cannot control. Control is really the key. I can't let Chris Hobbs paralyze and control me into living in fear.
Coming to this conclusion eases Justin's mind. His mind feels more clear than it has been in years. These new ideas crystallize and form fresh and amazing possibilities. Let Chris Hobbs own all the fear, keep none in his own heart, and simply live his life. It just might work. Only possibilities are visible. A whole new way of thinking--a fucking revolution right in my own head!
Brian wakes to the brightest smile he's ever seen. "I take it you enjoyed the movie, Sunshine?"
"I did! Fucking amazing! Why have I not seen this movie before?" Without giving anyone time to answer his question, Justin babbles on. "I guess each person has to discover it all on their own." Justin looks at Brian's bewildered and still sleepy gaze. "Sorry, I probably sound crazy, but this movie…it just…it's revolutionary! That sounds fanatical, but whatever."
"Don't apologize for being excited. Rocky Horror did that for me, too." Brian pulls Justin to him and speaks quietly, so only Justin can hear. "I saw it when I was fourteen. I saw it and I knew. I knew I was gay. I admitted it fully to myself for the first time after seeing that movie, so…I understand, Justin." Brian sneaks a quick kiss on Justin's cheek.
Justin brings Brian's lips to his in a blistering kiss. Justin's face is on fire, excited. His lips burn with their intense heat. Justin and Brian are in their own world, only vaguely hearing their slightly embarrassed friends shuffling out of the room. After a heated moment or two, Justin whispers into Brian's ear, "Let's go."
Without a word, Brian drags Justin toward the front door. "Wait! I have to say goodbye to everybody!" Brian slows but doesn't stop completely. "At least to Daphne."
That stops him. "OK, hurry."
Justin says good night to his friends as quickly as he can as Brian simmers in the corner of the kitchen. "Sorry, everybody! We're gonna go." Everyone waves and says their goodbyes.
Daphne walks up to Justin, puts her hands on Justin's chest and gently starts pushing him toward Brian and closer to the door. "Get the fuck out of here! Have a great night," she adds winking.
"I will!"
Justin drives a little too quickly on the way home, and Brian cautions him to slow down. "I just don't want to wait."
"I know, but we'll get there. And I'd rather it was in one piece if you don't mind."
Justin laughs and slows down. Brian is right, and they do eventually get home. They are chatting, laughing and holding hands as they take the stairs to Brian's room two at a time.
+++++
Jennifer is finding it hard to sleep tonight. She is looking out the window into the starry night, feeling the cooler night air blow from the North. She hears the Mercedes pull into the driveway and park. Justin and Brian are laughing and talking loudly. Jennifer can't hear exactly what they're saying, but she can see them get out of the car. She watches as Brian meets Justin and puts his arm around Justin's shoulder, his fingers entwined in Justin's long hair. Confused for a minute, Jennifer stands to get a better view. She isn't sure what she's seeing. Justin and Brian running hand in hand up the garage stairs, stopping at the top of the stairs to kiss, opening the door and disappearing from her sight. Her worse fears seem to be confirmed. She had always thought, but had hoped not…
Justin is…gay. My son is gay…