first line Prompt #307 - First Line

[comicfan]

“Are you sure there is nothing that can be done?”

[K.C.]

Prompt 307 First Line- “Are you sure there is nothing that can be done?”

 

“Are you sure there is nothing that can be done?” The frail, elderly woman asked Dr. Kaur.  Her round cheeks were red and flushed with tears.

 

The handsome doctor gave Kyle an apologetic smile.  Stepping back to give the woman some privacy to discuss her husband’s failing health, Kyle’s cell phone started to ring in the front pocket of his pale blue scrubs.

 

“Hey handsome,” Kyle said when he noticed Lee’s name on the screen.

 

“When will you be home?” Lee asked.

 

“Around six, why?”

 

“We need to have a talk…”

 

When Lee didn’t say any more, Kyle’s heart sank in his chest.  He glanced around the nurses’ station.  It was quiet at the moment.  “I have a few minutes right now--”

 

“No, we’ll talk when you get home.”  With that short answer, Lee hung up.

 

Kyle’s head was spinning.  He imagined a million different scenarios in his mind.  “I’m sure it’s nothing.” He said, trying to convince himself that nothing was going on.  Everything had seemed perfect for the last three years, had he really misjudged their relationship?

 

“Dude, are you okay?” Dr. Kaur asked, jerking Kyle out of his spiraling nightmare.

 

Fighting a wave of nausea, Kyle tried to push down his fears, but couldn’t.  “I don’t feel good.”

 

“You don’t look so hot,” Dr. Kaur said waggling his dark eyebrows.  When Kyle didn’t laugh or have a snappy comeback, the young doctor frowned.  “Maybe you should go home.”

 

Kyle agreed with Dr. Kaur and gathered his belongings.

 

At home, Kyle found Lee sitting on the edge of their bed, rocking back and forth rubbing his forehead.  Rushing to his side, Kyle tried to wrap his arms around Lee, but he pulled away.

 

“Babe, what’s wrong?” Kyle fell to his knees in front of Lee.

 

Lee’s voice trembled. “What would you say if you found out that I had cheated on you?”

 

Everything in Kyle’s stomach rose to his throat.  He choked back the burning pain.  “What are you saying?”

 

“What would you do?”

 

“I would fucking kill h-h-him,” Kyle stammered.  “And then I’d kill you, Lee, is that what you’re trying to tell me?” 

 

Lee rolled his dark eyes.  “You couldn’t kill anyone.  You’re too nice--”

 

“How do you know? Maybe I could.  Obviously, we don’t know each other as good as we think we do if you’re cheating on me--”

 

“I’m not cheating on you!” Lee shouted overtop Kyle’s angry rant.

 

“What?” Kyle gasped.

 

“I said I’m not cheating on you."

 

Kyle blinked again and again, trying to understand what was going on.

 

“My mom is cheating on my dad,” Lee whispered.  “This is going to crush him.  She’s throwing away thirty years for some douchebag she met on the internet.”

 

“He doesn’t know yet?”

 

Lee shook his head as tears welled behind his dark eyelashes.

 

“Are you sure there’s nothing that can be done?” Kyle asked, searching for a way to save Lee’s parents’ marriage.

 

[Dolores Esteban]

Here's my attempt.

 

Captain Re

[LJH]

Prompt 307 – Creative

 

Tag - First Line

 

“Are you sure there is nothing that can be done?”

 

 

***

 

 

This story is not based on true events, but it could very well be.  If you are averse to some of the ideas such as euthanasia as expressed in this story, please do not read further. If you have had a similar experience, and wish to read further, please let me know how you coped with the after effects of such a life changing event.

 

 

***

 

 

A Beautiful Mess

 

Life can change in one second.

Treasure what you have.

Count your blessings,

and always, always, always

love the one you're with, even with his/her faults.

We are all flawed.

 

 

“Are you sure there is nothing that can be done?”

 

Those words echoed in his brain. Gary seemed oblivious to the noises in the corridor and of the nurses and doctors milling about in the wards.  An overload of disinfectant like surgical spirits assaulted his olfactory system. His rounded, chestnut eyes possessed a fog that resembled a mask of sorrow. The last few weeks had been hell on earth, and each day that passed scarred his unshaven face. He sat outside Brian’s private room, away from the general ward, while the nurses washed him and changed the bed linen. 

 

At the first sight of Brian’s brother and sister approaching, he stood up and buried his face in his hands. 

 

Shyann hugged him as he sobbed; his tears stained the white fabric on her shoulders.  “Oh, God! What a mess,” she whispered in his ear.  She held his face and stared directly into his eyes.  Mascara smudged her cheeks, she had been crying. “You have to be strong.  Promise me that you will be strong. You’ll always have me as a friend.  Always,” she said.

 

Gary smiled through his tears.  “Thank you.”

 

Kevin placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.  “Me too.  I will always be there for you.”

 

“Are the doctors here?” Shyann asked, peeking into the room.

 

“They’re on lunch break. Should be back in about thirty minutes,” Gary said.

 

“How’s Brian looking?” Kevin asked, taking Gary’s hand.

 

“The nursing staff have just cleaned him and replaced the bed linen. I’ve been here all morning, he’s peaceful.”

 

Shyann led the way into the room.  Brian’s forced breathing, aided by a heart lung machine, sent shivers up Gary’s spine.  He resembled an alien being with an oxygen mask covering his mouth and nose.  Two months ago Brian had been in the gym almost every day. He lived by a simple motto: If I don’t care for myself, no one else will do it for me.  He composed music for a living. Some of it had been snapped up by a Cape Town studio and the future looked promising for this sparkling young man.

 

***

 

The Prawn Basket, a restaurant on the Victoria & Albert Waterfront hosted some big names in the music industry.  The Parlotones, Just Ginger, Flash Republic and Die Antwoord had all passed through these doors, playing to the crème de la crème of the music industry. 

 

Brian’s moment had arrived.  His light blue eyes glowed with confidence.  His lithe, well-built frame lit up the stage.  A designer goatee and light beard danced across his face as he sang a Jason Mraz song called, “A Beautiful Mess”.  The crowd was delighted.  He sang three of his own compositions and received a standing ovation.

 

Gary, seated at one of the front round tables with three studio executives, smiled broadly at him as he left the stage.  They met him in the dressing room and Gary hugged him.

 

“You were fabulous. God, I had goose bumps the whole time.” Gary said, kissing him lightly on the cheek.

 

‘Enough of that,” said John Hinds, CEO of Prince Records. He extended a hand. “I want you to record some stuff for me.”

 

Gary said, “ Brian only sings his own music or music that he likes.”

 

Hinds placed a hand on his hip, looking extremely camp with a scarf hanging loosely off his shoulders, he said, “You’re his manager?”

 

“Manager and lover.”

 

“Well, manager and lover,” he sang in a mocking voice, “I want him to record his own compositions, and there are several songs, all hit bound, that I want him to look over and at least consider.”

 

Brian winked at Gary. “I can do this, Gary,” he said with a rasp in his throat.

 

Gary didn’t say a word. He eyeballed Hinds for a moment.  “I need to see a contract.”

 

Hinds fished in his large man-bag and brought out a brown manila envelope. “I want you Brian. My partners, Paul and Brett here, were blown away by your voice.  We don’t sign up just anybody.  Here, take a look at this contract and come back to me first thing Monday morning. I need to get you into the studio as soon as possible.”

 

 

***

 

 

They danced and kissed and screamed and woop-wooped all over the room and ordered the best bottle of champagne.  The manager of the restaurant sent a note: On the house.  Congratulations!

 

“Hey, what’s that on your lip?” Gary said, pointing at Brian’s lip. Brian suddenly stopped laughing and touched his lip as Gary moved in with a gentle kiss.

 

“Don’t panic. It’s only my lips on yours. I’m so proud of you.”

 

“Well, Mr. Manager,  I think we should call it a night because that kiss…that kiss made me so horny.” Brian said, swiping his hand across the zipper of Gary’s jeans.

 

Outside, a slight chill swept by the north easter. 

 

The smell of salt carried in the wind.

 

In the car, Gary turned up the heater and moved towards the main intersection.

 

‘Did you see the look on Hinds’ face when I said I’m your manager?  It was priceless,” he laughed.

 

“But when he placed his hands on his hip, well, I almost cracked up," Brian giggled. "I’ve seen camp, but man-oh-man, Hinds is like Oscar material for everything camp. Do you think he offered us the contract because we’re together?”

 

“He offered it because of your voice.  Because you’re larger than life.  Because you’re not just anybody and  I’m just so fucking happy he …”

 

The screech of tyres against asphalt.

 

The  car had skipped the traffic light at the intersection and rear ended Gary's car with a loud THUD.

 

The car lurched into the air.

 

Tearing metal. 

 

Brian levitated out of his seat and flew headfirst through the windscreen.

 

Gary’s head spun as he lost control and  the car hit a pole.

 

Darkness.

 

 

***

 

 

The doctors arrived. 

 

Shyann gripped Gary’s hand and squeezed.  “This is what Brian wanted, Gary.”

 

Gary couldn’t speak, rivulets of tears streamed down his cheek.  His entire body trembled.   

 

Two days before, a judge had handed down the state’s permission  to turn off the machines that had kept Brian alive for the last two months. The doctors had filed their reports.  Each report, from different brain specialists, confirmed that Brian would never be revived.  He was brain dead.

 

A doctor stepped forward and, in a somber voice, said, “We’re about to turn the machines off.  Do you want to stay?”

 

Gary mumbled, “Oh, God! It’s like watching an execution.”

 

Shyann turned to Gary.  “You don't have to watch this, babe. Do you want to stay?”

 

He didn’t answer.  Moving to the side of the bed, silent tears rolled down his cheeks as he gripped Brian’s hand and kissed it repeatedly. The doctor turned off the machines.

 

“This is a good deed,” an intern said.

 

Gary’s tears turned into wild choking sobs as the life of his best friend, his lover, his soul mate, ebbed away. After the doctors had left the room, he and Shyann and Kevin huddled together, crying over the man they loved.

 

A man who had given them so much happiness.

 

A man whose eyes had once sparkled with confidence.

 

“He’s in a better place now.” Shyann said, and held onto Gary for support as her brother's breathing came to an abrupt standstill. 

Edited March 2, 2014 by LJH

[Slytherin]

I love your prompt, Louis. Best prompt I have ever read    I'm crying my eyes out at the moment. Life can change in just one second. So sad, so real. I won't forget this prompt  

[LJH]

Thank you so much slytherin. I can't seem to write happy endings and I desperately want to. But for this story there was only one conclusion.

[joann414]

Have no idea why I read this with a funeral on my itinerary today.  but, I couldn't stand it.  I saw Sly's comment and read it anyway.

As always, I love your writing and sadly, we've no control over some things in life. 

Edited March 2, 2014 by joann414

[mickey1952]

Touchingly beautiful, Louis. Thank you.

[joann414]

A Different Kind of Love

 

 

"Are you sure there is nothing that can be done?"  Sam tried not to cry, appealing hopefully to the young vet standing in front of him.

 

Reed looked at the huge handsome guy standing in front of him fighting tears for his pet.  "I'm sorry.  She's bleeding internally.  A dog her size rarely survives being struck by an automobile.  We'll need to put her down.  I promise she won't feel a thing."  He reached and touched the other man's shoulder, feeling the trembling move through the man's body as he dissolved into tears.

 

"I got her as a puppy.  She barely covered the palm of my hand.  When someone said miniature Chihuahua, I never thought she would be that small.  The day I got her, she fell asleep in my slipper that night.  That's why I named her, Slipper.  Its been more than seven years since then, and this happens.  If I'd paid attention, I would've seen her hop down behind me out of the truck at the station.  She's never done that before."  Sobbing, Sam paused.

 

"They surprise us sometimes.  No matter how well we train them, their little minds still want to go wherever we go.  Don't blame yourself."

 

Sam tried to get a hold of himself.  "I live over two hundred miles from here.  There's no way I can ride that far with her in the truck with me, no longer alive.  I just can't."  He started crying again.

 

Reed spoke softly.  "Look, we have a pet cemetery on the back part of the office property.  Lots of my patients bury their pets there.  It's beautiful with all the little markers and stone animals the owners have put around the site.  We'll go look at it after we put Slipper to sleep and she's not in pain anymore.  Ok?"

 

Sam barely nodded, following the vet to a room in the back.  The little blonde dog stared at him as if she was trying to tell him it was ok.  Bending over the exam table, he looked into the gentle chocolate brown eyes for the last time and said.  "You've been my best friend my little princess.  I couldn't have gone on after John died if it hadn't been for you being there for me.  I love you so much and thank you for being such a loyal and loving friend."  Kissing the warm blonde fur, he ran his hand softly over his pet.

 

"Are you ready?"  Reed had watched the scene, scared to leave the man alone in such sorrow.

 

"Can I stay?  I don't want her to die alone."

 

"Of course.  It'll be short and painless.  She'll just go to sleep."  Reed inserted the needle as gently as he could, thoughtful of the man standing beside him.

 

When Slipper's eyes drifted shut and her small abdomen stilled, Sam turned and slowly left the room, not able to withstand anymore.  He waited in the front office for the vet to return.

 

Reed covered the little dog with a soft white towel before following the broken man.

 

"Where can I get a box to bury her in?  I want something nice that will withstand the elements of nature."

 

Reed told him where Old Marcus sold the small caskets he made for people's beloved pets.  He knew Sam would be happy when he saw them.

 

***

An hour or so later, Reed was feeding the larger animals out back when he heard a truck pull into the parking lot at the side of his office.  Glancing around the corner of the office, he saw Sam get out of a big black pick up truck.  He watched as the man reached inside, bringing out a copper colored metal casket with yellow daffodils painted on the side.  Opening a gate, he walked to meet Sam halfway.

 

"She would've loved this.  One of her favorite pastimes was running through my flower beds, letting the blooms skim her little head, she was so tiny.  I never scolded her because she was too small to hurt anything.  Now, she'll always be among the flowers."

 

Reed smiled and motioned for Sam to follow him.  "I've got her ready.  She's wrapped in clean sheets.  We'll lay her inside the little casket."

 

The two men went inside.  When they got to the back room, Sam sat the little casket on the end of the exam table and opened it.  He gently picked Slipper up and put her into the soft silk lining..  "Oh, I almost forgot.  I'll be right back."

 

Reed waited for Sam to return, straightening the sheet around the little body.  When he heard Sam's footsteps he turned to see the man carrying a small feed bowl and a tiny stuffed deer.  He put the two items in the casket with the dog.  In his other hand, Reed noticed a bouquet of flowers.  "I can't watch her be buried.  I'll pay for someone to do it and then I'll be back to visit.  Driving is going to be hard enough as it is."

 

"No problem.  I'll have someone dig the grave and put her to rest myself. She'll be well taken care of, Sam.  Do you want a marker?  They charge fifty dollars, engraving and all."

 

Sam reached in his pocket and retrieved his wallet, pulling out a credit card.  "Can I just pay you for everything here or do I need to go somewhere else?"

 

"Sure, no problem."  Reed took the card and they went to take care of everything.  Handing Sam his credit card, he said, "If you want to leave an address or email address, I'll send you a picture after everything is done."

 

Sam handed him a business card from his wallet.  "Here's my card, but I'll be back soon to visit.  I won't be forgetting my little Slipper."  Tears slid down his face once more.  Wiping them impatiently, he turned and left.

 

 

Two weeks later, Reed was putting the dirt around the marker he'd picked out himself and had engraved.  He had yellow flowers painted above Slipper's name.  Even though he had to pay a little more than what Sam had left, Reed had the stone made big enough to have the words engraved under Slipper's name.  Loved by Sam and Loved Sam

 

He stepped back from the marker.  Seeing the words, he felt a lump in his throat, thinking of Sam and how tenderhearted he was.  The big man had crossed his mind several times over the last couple of weeks.  Picking the little shovel up he'd used to set the stone, he headed across the field to his office.  He was about halfway across when he saw a familiar black truck turn down the small lane that lead to the pet cemetery.  Turning around, he went back to greet Sam.

 

Sam was surprised to see the vet waiting for him at the little metal gate that lead into the cemetery.  He felt a little foolish carrying the pot of daffodils in his hand to go on the grave, but all those feelings left when he saw the smile of understanding on Reed's face.  "Hi Doc..."  His words trailed off when he spotted Slipper's marker.  Tears of happiness filled his eyes as he walked to it and put the pot of flowers in front of it.  "You did this didn't you?  It's beautiful.  I don't know what to say."

 

Reed had never felt so happy inside.  "I felt it was only right.  I've seen a lot of owners that were crazy about and loved their pets, but yours was just a different kind of love.  It's had to explain, but I could feel it when I stood in the room with you and Slipper."

 

"Thank you.  It was.  She filled a void when I lost my partner.  It's been so hard for me these past two weeks, but I had to come see her.  I can't leave her so far away and not visit."

 

Reed hesitated a few seconds before replying.  "I'm glad you did and hope to see you each time you come visit Slipper."

 

Sam's eyes widened a little.  "I'm here for the weekend.  Would you like to have dinner?"

 

"I thought you'd never ask."

 

*****

Twenty five years later

 

Reed was kneeling beside the EMT, where Sam's still body was laying on the floor of their bedroom.  "Are you sure there is nothing that you can do?"

 

"He's gone sir.  I'm sorry.  There's nothing we can do."

 

 

Three days later, Reed thanked the preacher and walked back to the casket that still stood beside the open grave.  "I'll miss you my love and I'll make sure Slipper knows where you are.  Who knows?  Her little bark may be the greeting you hear when you crossover.  Goodnight, my heart."

 

Ignoring the last stragglers that attended Sam's service, he got in his car and drove until he came to the little lane that lead to the pet cemetery.  Driving up to the tiny leaning gate, he straightened it the best he could as he made his way through it.  He went to one of the only graves that was still looked after and fell to his knees, sobbing.  "He's gone Slipper.  Take care of him when he gets there.  More than anything, thank you little one for bringing him to me."

Edited March 4, 2014 by joann414

[Slytherin]

Beautiful story, Jo Ann

[LJH]

Lovely, touching story. Sometimes death brings life and love. Enjoyed it tremendously.

[Valkyrie]

All I have to say is wow... what incredible, touching stories LJH and Joann.  I'm sitting here crying my eyes out.   Well done. 

I went in a completely different direction with my take on this prompt: 

 

https://www.gayauthors.org/story/valkyrie71/2014promptresponses/5

[Slytherin]

I loved you prompt So glad Little Kyle survived !

[comicfan]

So I took a shot at this as well. What do you think?

 

https://www.gayauthors.org/story/comicfan/apromptaweek/11

[Caz Pedroso]

Here's my take, hope you like it. 

 

https://www.gayauthors.org/story/cazpedroso/promptsfor2014/2

[Slytherin]

I love reading prompts !

[Mann Ramblings]

KC - I want to know more!

 

Louis - You're a bastard for making me cry. That was so moving.