Graduation

[kiwi2399]

great chapter, its sweet az to see that they made up. hopefully their parents will accept their decision and they will be married in the summer?? who knows. wondeful story keep writing im hooked!

 

[DonQuixote]

IntheCloset,
Very nice pair of chapters. Sorry I didn't get to the last one sooner, but they were fairly closely posted.

No NYC? Reluctant Bride. A whole lotta love. Homesickness, a touch of sadness.

Yeah, it sounds like life happening around a couple in love.

Thanks, again, for sharing with us.
I look forward to your next installment of Follow the Yellow Brick Road -- with all of its twists and turns, where will it take us?!

For the answer to THAT, I guess we've just got to be patient.

 

[riddlebm]

This story is amazing. Love every chapter of it. Wonderful. Can't wait for the next chapter!

 

[upyrkilt469]

A nother great chapter. Looking forward to more.
Vic

 

[littletosay]

Great, as always. Thanks ITC.

 

[Craiger]

I'm jealous! I want a romantic, loving relationship like that. lol The closest I can come to that is living vicariously through Josh and Cameron. Seriously, ITC, great chapter.

Craiger

 

[harry113]

Thanks, What a wonderful relationship .... wish it could always be that way !
More please
Harry

 

[inthecloset]

Hey guys, this is just a short little blurb to give away my plans for future chapters. I've been thinking about doing this for a little while and I think now is the best time to do it.

Here we go!

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Cameron looked so handsome when he walked up to the arch. His tux was perfect for his body and his golden brown hair was all tidied up. His bright green eyes pierced to my soul as he looked into my dark blue eyes. I looked over at the crowd and saw his parents smiling at us, along with some of our friends from around town and a couple friends from high school. Brook was standing at my side and Mark was standing at Cam’s. Brooke looked so beautiful, and she certainly caught some eyes. Mark looked almost as handsome as Cameron did, but my eyes stuck to Cameron like glue.

I looked over to the crowd again and saw that my parents were not there. They hadn’t accepted the idea of Cameron and I being together, much less getting married. It was sad, yes, but that sadness couldn’t possibly compare to the overwhelming joy I was feeling when I looked at Cameron. I could hear my favorite song, “My Immortal” by Evanescence coming from somewhere, though I couldn’t see where. I took Cameron’s hands in mine and looked deeply into his eyes.

A car honking woke me from my dream. I could hear “My Immortal” on the radio and realized that it was seeping into my subconscious. I looked over at Cameron in the driver’s seat and he glanced over at my movement and smiled.

“Hey sleepyhead,” he said, “How are you feeling?”
“Like a giant hippo is standing on my head,” I said realizing the headache. “Where are we?” I asked.
“About a half hour away,” he said.

Suddenly, the reality of what was happening hit me. Finals were over, the parties were over, and our secret was about to be over. My last final was yesterday afternoon and we had spent all night partying. We packed up and left for home sometime last night so I was still a little hung over. Cameron reached over and grabbed my hand.

“No matter what happens, no matter what your parents say, I won’t give up until I marry you Josh,” He said.
I didn’t say anything in response. He already knew what I was thinking.
“I love you,” he said.
“I love you too Cam,” I said.
“Go back to sleep, I’ll wake you when we get there,” he said.

He didn’t have to ask me twice. The soothing piano keys from “My Immortal” helped me get back to sleep with ease. I didn’t have time to dream though. Cameron soon woke me with a soft kiss on the forehead and a little push on the shoulder.

“Josh, wake up,” I heard.
“5 more minutes,” I said.
“Get up you lazy ass,” I could hear the smile in his voice.

I opened my eyes and saw that we weren’t at either of our houses. We were at the cemetery.
“What are we doing here?” I asked, looking around.
“We’re saying ‘hi’ to your sister,” he said.

He got out of the car and walked around to open my door. He grabbed my hand and held it was we walked over to Alexis’ stone. He sat down when he got to it and I sat down and leaned into him. He put his arm around my shoulder and we just sat there for a moment.

“Hey Lexi,” I said.
“Hey Lex,” Cam said.

There was a soft breeze in the air that brushed past us and pushed Cameron’s golden brown hair to one side for a brief second. His bright green eyes didn’t look sad, but they looked at peace. It made me happy to see that there was no pain in his eyes anymore. He looked at me and smiled the smile that could end a war.

Sitting there with Cameron’s arms around me, I couldn’t help but wonder about our future together. Would we end up getting married? What would our parents say? What would my parents say? Are we even going to be able to go through it? All of those questions burned in my mind, but none were as pressing as the one that rang the loudest in my head.

Where would we be in three years?

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Next Chapter: 3 Years Later

 

[DonQuixote]

ITC,
You manage to pack so much feeling into such a short vignette.

That was a lovely, quiet interlude as they drove home.
And to be able to stop and see Alexi on the way. Your mind works much the same way as mine - much more encompassing in an effort to cover all the bases and make everything as perfect as you possibly can.

Thank you for so carefully crafting this tale. You have taken us to highs and lows, grabbing our hearts through our chests, raw with emotion.

I look forward to your next installment.
Thank you.

 

[upyrkilt469]

That was a beautifully tender moment to share with us in the lives of Josh & Cam. thanks for another great chapter. Vic

 

[littletosay]

Beautiful chapter, ITC.

 

[polarnyc]

Short but very beautiful chapter. I'm not so sure about fastforward the story to 3 years later though. I like the pace of it now

 

[Craiger]

I must agree completely with all those above. Such a warm and intimate chapter. I am glad you continue to keep Alexis in the picture. I look forward to sliding into the future to see how my favorite couple are fairing.

Craiger

 

[inthecloset]

Ok boys, here's my next chapter.
Hope you like what you're about to read

------------------------------

Brianna came running up to greet me as I walked through the front door after a long day of rifling through the stacks of stories that sat on my desk at work. I was so excited to see my little “niece” because it meant Brooke was nearby. I walked into the kitchen and saw her sitting at the counter talking with Cameron as he was cooking dinner.

“Mommy, Mommy! Uncie Josh is home!” Brianna bellowed as she led me into the kitchen.
“Thank you for telling me sweetie,” she said, “Now go tell Daddy that dinner is almost ready.”
“Okay mommy,” she said as she bolted off down the hallway.
“God that girl gets bigger by the day,” I said as I put my keys and briefcase on the counter.
“It’s gotta be Cam’s cooking,” Brooke said as she stuffed a roll into her mouth, “This stuff is delicious.”
“Thanks,” he said smiling as he pulled away from the stove to greet me.
“How was your day babe?” I asked him after giving him a quick, but loving kiss on the forehead and a hug so tight you’d need the Jaws of Life to break us apart.
“It was great. Brianna and I had an awesome time at the zoo,” he said as he returned to the stove, “What about you? Find any winners?”
“Nope. It sucks, these writers can be so successful but they don’t seem to put their hearts into their stories. They’ve got the talent, they just don’t seem to be able to get their minds out of the picture,” I said.
“Wait, what’s going on?” Mark asked as he came into the room with Brianna in his arms.
“Josh is trying to pick a story to present to his boss to get it published,” Brooke said between bites of her roll.
“Well, have you thought about giving him your own story?” Mark asked.
“That wouldn’t be fair. It would be taking advantage of my job,” I said.
“So what?” Cam asked.
“Cam…you know I can’t do that,” I said.
“Yeah, I also know that you’ve dreamed about getting your work published for years. The only offer you’ve ever gotten is the one you passed on three years ago,” he said.
“It’s just not that easy,” I said.
“We’ll talk about this later. Dinner’s ready,” he said looking apologetic.

Cameron’s cooking had become amazing since he left the café a year and a half ago. After he enrolled in a cooking class at the community college in town, he got a job at one of the bigger restaurants and soon became one of the best known chefs in the city. I was so proud of him. Every week Brooke and Mark would bring their daughter over for dinner to taste some of Uncie Cam’s food for free. I absolutely adored this little girl and besides Cameron, she was the only person who could make the shittiest of days into a great one. I’ll never forget the day that Brooke told me she was pregnant.

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Brooke hadn’t been looking very well all week. Ever since Cameron and I came back she had seemed different. She wouldn’t touch any alcohol anymore and she seemed to be gaining some weight. I thought she was depressed but one day when Cameron was at work she came over. She looked like a mess and I was beginning to really worry about her. The Brooke that I knew would never pass up a good glass of wine.

“Josh, I need to tell you something,” she said as she sat down on the couch.
“What’s up Brooke?” I asked.
“Actually I just need to tell someone. I don’t know how I’m gonna tell Mark. This is just so huge that…I can’t not tell him, but he might be crushed if I do,” she said as she started rambling.
“Whoa, Brooke calm down. Tell me what’s wrong,” I said.

She sat down and caught her breath and wiped the tears from her eyes and face. She looked at me, didn’t blink for almost a minute and said those two words.

“I’m pregnant…”
“You’re…you’re what?” I asked.
“I’m having a baby,” she said.

-------------------------------

Ever since that day, I have seen Brooke grow more than anyone else I’ve known. Not only did her personality mature, but her body seemed more adult-like. She wasn’t a stupid kid anymore and she has proven to be the best mother that I know, and Brianna Alexis Jensen was the luckiest girl in the world. Not only did she have two happy and in love parents, but she had Cameron and I as Godparents. Her energy changed us somehow and Cam and I have never been as close as we are now.

I want to be able to say that Cameron and I got married three years ago, but life wouldn’t have that. Shortly after we got home, the announcements of gay marriage being illegal started spreading like wildfire. We decided to put off our plans for a while. A while turned into almost four years. We talk about it every now and then, and agree that it’s still not the right time to do it. Besides, we love each other and we constantly tell each other that we’ll stay for the rest of our lives. The marriage would just be for us to tell that to the rest of the world. I can wait a little while for that to happen.

After we were done with dinner, we all went into the backyard to watch Brianna play with Chase, our golden retriever. He was the most beautiful dog in the world. He reminded me of my dog growing up in the way that he would jump up on the couch and rest his head on Cameron’s leg while we were watching T.V.

Cameron went back into the kitchen to check on the banana bread he was working on and left Brooke Mark and I at the patio table. Brooke told me a lot about the daycare center she and her business partner, Karen were opening up sometime in the next couple of months.

“It’ll be just like the place my parents took me to when I was a kid. It was just the warmest place. I met so many good friends there too. Not that I don’t love you guys for taking care of Brianna whenever we need you to, because I do…so much. But she’s almost four now and she needs to start making some friends, you know?” she said.
“Brooke I completely understand. A kid without friends isn’t a kid in my book,” I said.
“I’m glad you understand,” she said.
“I do. But just know that I’m always here for you when you need me. Always have been,” I said.
“Thank you, Josh. That means a lot to me,” she said.
“Me too!” Mark called from across the yard where he was chasing Brianna and Chase.

After they left, Cameron, Chase and I settled down on the couch to watch some T.V. In three years, we never changed the way we sat. I always sat on Cameron’s left with my right arm around his shoulder and his head resting into my torso, and my left hand holding his right hand and playing with his beautiful fingers.

We went off to bed around 10:30 and Chase pranced into the bedroom behind us. I snapped off the lamp and turned over to hold Cam. I kissed his neck softly as he pushed his ass into my crotch. I moved my hand down to his crotch and rubbed it softly through the material in his shorts.

“You’re such a tease,” he said.
“I learned from you,” I said.

He turned over and looked into my eyes. I could barely see in the dark, but his bright green eyes were still able to pierce through my soul.

“Josh, I know we talk about this a lot but…when do you think we can get married?” he asked me.
“I don’t know Cam. I know it’s been a long time, but I still don’t know if it’s entirely possible for us to do it,” I said.

He let his head rest on my chest as he wrapped his arm around my torso.

“I’m tired of waiting,” he said.
“I know baby…but I want nothing to ruin that day for us. I just want to wait until the world is a little more accepting,” I said.
“I love that you’re so optimistic,” he said.
“I love that you love me,” I said.
“Gnight Josh,” he said softly.
“Gnight Cam,” I said as I brushed my hand through his hair as we both drifted off to sleep.

 

[upyrkilt469]

Another great chapter, itthecloset. I have really enjoyed this story and am looking foward to the next chapter. Thanks for a great read.
Vic

 

[Craiger]

How exciting! The formation of two loving families. It sounds as though life has been good to everyone. I'm sure there are the typical pitfalls now and then, however, I like that the positive is more in the forefront. Marriage will come soon enough! Another fine chapter, ITC.

Craiger

 

[littletosay]

Awww cute chapter. Thanks, ITC.

 

[polarnyc]

Cute chapter indeed...But wait, 3 years ago didn't Josh just start college? Did Brook drop off college to raise Brianna?

 

[inthecloset]

All questions will be answered in the next couple of chapters.

 

[inthecloset]

Ok boys. I know you have a lot of questions, and I know you're anxiously waiting for my next installments. I'm workin as hard as I can to get these chapters in order and I hope I'm doing a good job! Here you go!

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“Happy anniversary.”

These words were the first thing I heard upon waking up to a kiss on my cheek. I kept my eyes closed but hugged Cameron closer to me and sighed as the sleep slowly fell away from me and I became aware of what day it was.

“Happy anniversary baby,” I said.

He leaned up and kissed me again but this time I caught him before he could pull away and kissed him strongly and passionately.

“Oh my God…your breath smells horrible,” he said laughing.
“Yeah well you could use a shower stinky,” I said holding my nose closed.
“Dick,” he said with a chuckle.
I groaned as he started to get out of bed and pulled him back into me.
“Don’t leave,” I said sadly.
“I don’t want to, but I have to go to work soon,” he said.
“Can’t we just stay like this all day?” I asked.
“I wish we could. But if I don’t take this afternoon shift then I won’t be available tonight,” he said with a wink.
I gasped dramatically and said, “You little slut.”
He smiled at me and went into the bathroom to get ready.

As I lay there alone, I wondered how Cameron could be so strong. Not only to be able to be apart on this day, but how he could be so strong to be able to face all the crap we’ve been through and still be smiling. He was able to tell me how he felt about me when I never had the guts to; he was able to tell his parents about us without blinking an eye; and over these past 4 years, he has never lost his faith in me. But of everything he’s faced, the one thing that always impressed me was how he made me strong enough to tell my parents about us that summer 3 years ago.

He came out of the bathroom naked and walked over to the closet. As he passed by the bed I slapped his ass softly and he winked at me and gave me his evil little grin.

“I don’t know if I can go this long without you Cam,” I said.

--------------------------------

“Sure you can babe. You survived those 4 months without me, you can handle a few weeks,” Cameron said.
“I’ll never understand how you can be so strong,” I said.
“Josh…you give me all the strength I need,” he said.
“You’re really sweet Cam,” I said.
“It’s true. You make me feel like I can face anything,” he said as he leaned in to kiss me.

I moaned a little as his hand grabbed the back of my head and pulled me harder into the kiss. We were parked outside my house waiting for my parents to get home. We were going to surprise them, but they weren’t even home when we got there. I didn’t have my key so we had to wait for them.

We kissed for what seemed like hours. I got lost in the softness of his lips and the warmth of his tongue in my mouth. I was so deep in my own little world that I almost forgot to breathe and when he finally pulled off of me I had to catch my breath.

“Wow,” I said between gasps.
“What,” he said with a chuckle.
“You, um…You’re really good at that,” I said letting a little laugh escape.
“Well, I learned from the best,” he said giving me a wink.

Just then there was a honk from behind us and we turned to see my parents pulling up behind us. I got out of the car to greet them and it was like I never left. I went inside with my bags and looked into my room. It was exactly the same as it was when I left it. After Cameron and I had all my bags into my room, he gave me a hug and left for his house.

“I’ll see you tonight right?” I asked.
“Of course,” he said.

And with that he was gone. I never felt as empty as I did at that point. I missed him so much, even though he was no more than half a mile away from me. It was at this point that I was absolutely sure that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with Cameron. I didn’t care what anyone said. Not even my parents.

At dinner that night, my parents were telling me so many stories about things that I missed. Mostly they kept telling me how scared they were when they got the call about the shooting, and how thankful they were that I was okay. But the more they expressed their gratitude, the guiltier I felt for not being honest with them.

“I don’t know what I would do if I lost you too,” my mom said.
“Yeah, we pretty much didn’t breathe until Cameron called us and told us you were awake,” my dad said.
“I’m so glad you’re ok,” my mom said.
I couldn’t take it anymore.
“I’m gay!” I shouted.

They looked stunned. I felt even worse now. I dropped this bomb on them when they weren’t expecting anything. Their faces were frozen in shock. I just sat there staring at my plate while I waited for their responses.

“Are…are you sure?” my dad said.
“Yeah,” I said softly.
“How…how do you know?” my mom asked.
“Cameron,” I said.
“You’re…what? Attracted to him?” my dad asked.
“No,” I said, “I’m in love with him. And he’s in love with me.” I said.

They didn’t say anything else. They just sat there. They were either trying to understand or just trying to figure out how they didn’t know, but if I didn’t know any better I’d say they were ok with it.

I excused myself from the table and went outside. My dad came outside shortly after me and hugged me. He didn’t say any words, just hugged me for a few minutes. When he went back inside my phone started going off. It was Cameron.

“Hello,” I said weakly.
“Hey baby, what’s wrong?” he asked.
“Nothing, are you coming over?” I asked.
“I’m just around the corner,” he said, “Are you sure you’re ok?”
“Yeah, I just…told my parents about us,” I said.
“Oh my God…Josh I’m so proud of you,” he said excitedly.
“Thanks…I’ll see you in a minute,” I said.

--------------------------------

(Cameron’s perspective)
“I’ll see you in a minute,” I said.

I hung up my cell phone and turned the corner to Brooke’s neighborhood. Her house was absolutely amazing. Ever since Mark got into the advertising business, they’ve been living the good life. They’ve had extremely good luck and Mark’s creativity has raked in more than enough money for them and Brianna.

I walked inside and sure enough, there was my favorite little girl running up to the door yelling my name.

“Uncie Cameron! Uncie Cameron!” she yelled.
“Hey there little ladybug! How are you doing today?” I asked as I picked her up.
“Mommy said we’re getting Uncie Josh an anniversary surprise!” she exclaimed.
“She did? Well dang that was supposed to be a surprise for you,” I said.
“I’m sorry! She kept asking me questions,” Brooke said as she came down the hallway.
“It’s ok. Hey, Bri why don’t you go get your teddy and we’ll go ok?” I said as I put her down.
“Ok Uncie Cameron,” she said and bolted down the hallway to her bedroom.
“Ready?” I asked Brooke.
“Yeah,” she said, “let me just get my purse.”
“Hey Brooke.”
“Yeah?”
“Do you ever…regret dropping out of college?” I asked.
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“I mean…do you ever regret giving up your dreams to have Brianna and to be with Mark?”
“I don’t know…sometimes,” she said.
She just looked at me, a little sad and a little thoughtful.
“I guess I just miss what could have been. I mean, don’t get me wrong I love my family. But there are some days where I think about what I could have done with a full education. Yes…I do regret dropping out, but there has never been a day that I ever regretted having my family,” she said.
I stood there as I took in her answer.
“Why?” she asked.
Her question shook me out of my trance.
“Well…I’ve just been going over this thought in my head for a while,” I said.
She looked at me and raised her eyebrows at me.
“Sometimes I think Josh regrets being with me and giving up his dreams. And I’m worried that if that’s true, then he’ll leave me if he gets another offer,” I said.
“Are you kidding Cam? That boy loves you with all his heart. He’s with you because it’s what he wanted more than anything. You shouldn’t have any spec of doubt in that head of yours,” she said.
“Thanks Brooke. You’re a great friend,” I said.
“Of course I am. Now let’s go get your boy a surprise,” she said.