Eddie - 1. Eddie, the short story

Will this day ever end? Eighteen-year-old Bill Long shuffled his way through the line at the campus bookstore. It was a seemingly endless gathering of students that resembled all facets of young adults.

There was a devout hippie, dressed in tye-dye and wearing round sunglasses, the jock, with his letter jacket on, even when it was 80 degrees outside. Bill classified himself in the nerd category. Short, shy, with spiked brown hair and small hazel eyes. He was perhaps 5’8”, but only if he spiked his hair higher.

As the line for the cashier slowly moved towards the one person on duty; Bill looked around and his eyes caught one of the most entrancing sights he’d ever seen. A girl. Not just any girl. This one had bouncy, lively blond hair, a very fit body, which she had no problems showing off, and a million-dollar smile. She tipped her sunglasses as she walked by and winked at him, showing off her large, brown eyes.

Bill felt his heartbeat race! Who was this gorgeous creature? What was her name? Would they have any classes together? The possibilities raced through his mind like the track in his hometown. Home. It seemed so far away now that he was at college. One hundred fifty miles from his mother’s house and his father’s grave. He missed his father; the one positive male influence he’d ever had. His mother’s boyfriends certainly didn’t measure up, at least not in his mind. They were all about partying, drinking, the like. Not Bill’s style.

College life so far had been easy. He shared a room with another boy named Sal. Sal was quiet so far; but that could change in a heartbeat. It was only three days into his new life. Bill considered himself very average, even below-average on the excitement meter. He had never played sports, or joined any clubs. He drove his own car, and was very cautious about it. He was accident free and had had only one parking ticket.

Once the sloth-like cashier had finally moved the line ahead, the pretty girl got in line behind everyone else. She was only four people back. Close enough to approach perhaps? Bill doubted it. He felt his knees shake and his throat go drier than the Sahara. He stayed in line obediently until it was his turn to check out. Finally, it was done.

He hurried out of the claustrophic room and waited for the girl to finish her transaction. Would he work up the nerve? Doubtful. Girls were always a downfall to Bill. His voice would rise to two octaves higher than usual and his palms would sweat.

Dammit man, you’re in college now! Time to be a man! He admonished himself. Then all of a sudden, there she was. Bill’s hazel eyes followed the beauty out the door and he somehow managed to send a signal to his legs to jog in that direction.

He made it out the door and managed to get in front of her. He also managed to drop one of his heavy textbooks on his foot! As he stood there, hopping like a demented frog, the girl passed by. She paused for a moment and tilted down her sunglasses again.

“You alright?”

The accent was distinctively southern. A southern belle she was. Bill collected up the book and nodded.

“Yes, thank you. I’m fine.” He stuck out his hand awkwardly. “I’m Bill. Bill Long.”

The girl shook her head and snapped her gum loudly. She held out her hand, palm down. Bill looked at it confusingly until she explained.

“’Cuse me. You’re supposed to kiss a lady’s hand when you greet her. I’m Nora. Nora Timmons.”

He kissed the perfectly manicured hand softly and looked into her deep brown eyes. “Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise. What year are you?”

“Uh, freshman. You?”

“Same. Where are you from, sugar?”

Bill was rapidly falling in love with the accent. “Uh…Indiana. Indianapolis.”

Nora plucked out her compact mirror from her Gucci purse and checked her far

too thick application of lipstick. It was a sickly shade of bright fushia; hardly flattering on her, but he doubted you’d be able to tell her that.

“Well, Bill from Indianapolis, I’m Nora from Savannah, Georgia. I’m here to become a fashion designer.”

She was obviously a high society girl and he was an average joe. He got to know her first, be her friend. She was chilly towards him, but he hoped it would pass. He spent a lot of $ on her to impress her, but little recognition went to his efforts.

The 1^st semester

Freshman year passed quickly. Over holiday break, he kept in touch with her, she wrote brief notes back. Still, he was convinced it’d all be worth it.

The new year began. Nora hadn’t yet arrived. Bill found he had a new room, it was his own! He settled in, moving in within a few hours. He fell asleep, exhausted. About 9, he awoke and ran to the adjoining restroom. He knocked first. A smoky voice answered.

“Hang on dude, almost done.”

Bill waited patiently. Soon, the door opened and there stood his neighboring student. Bill froze.

The man was 6’4” with jet black hair in long tendrils of spiral curls, tattoos of barbed wire on his upper arm, and a goatee. His skin was milky white, but chiseled as a marble sculpture. He wore only a towel, a short one at that. Bill’s eyes tried to look away, but couldn’t. His mouth was agape.

“Hey, kid! You gonna go or what?”

Bill caught his breath again. “Uh, what?”

“Didn’t you have to take a piss?”

Bill tore his eyes away for a moments and saw the toilet seat was already up.

“Uh, yeah. I do. Thanks.”

“No sweat, kid. I’m your neighbor, everyone just calls me Eddie.”

“Eddie.”

“Gotta go, have a hot date. Later, kid.” Eddie winked at him and stripped his towel away before leaving the room. Bill tried to divert his gaze from the perfectly sculpted ass. Eddie’s hair fell to just above his waistline. Eddie looked back over his shoulder and winked at Bill again. He shut the bathroom door, separating them at last.

Bill had a date with Nora the next evening. They went out to a restaurant in town that she liked, a French café, Tres Chic. Bill tried valiantly to fit in. The café was crowded and loud. The waiter was extremely rude. Nora looked beautiful in her black dress with spaghetti straps. Her hair was straightened and gelled perfectly into place. Two ornate bobby pins held back the front tendrils. Bill had dressed appropriately, his blue dress pants, white shirt and a gray tie. His navy sportcoat hung open.

They were seated near a window. The night’s crowds passed by on the sidewalk. It was pitch black out, but the light from the streetlamps illuminated the area with their white glow. Throngs of people inundated the streets. Bill could barely keep up with all the different faces. Nora grew annoyed.

“Hello! Billy?”

“Huh, what?”

“You have me in front of you! Do the passers-by attract you more?”

“No, course not. You look lovely, Nora.”

“I know. Mom got me these clips for my graduation. That’s my birthstone in the center.”

Bill examined the clip, a glittery peridot twinkled its green beauty.

“Very pretty. What day is your birthday?”

“August 3^rd. I’m not sure what sign I am. I never followed that stuff.”

“I’m a Pisces, March 10^th.”

“Great. Damn, where is that waiter? This place has so gone to pot.”

“I think its nice.”

“Well, maybe to you. Ah, finally! Francois!”

Bill sat back and watched Nora closely. She was so beautiful, no man could refuse her. Her body, her lips, eyes, legs, they all were perfect.

On the way back to the dorm, Bill walked Nora to the door. She politely kissed his cheek and ducked inside her room. Bill felt pretty good about the date. He glanced back over his shoulder once more at her door. Nothing. He shrugged and walked slowly back to his own building.

Bill glanced at his watch. It was only 10 pm, and on a Saturday. He curled his lip in thought for a moment and glanced over at the student center. He could see a steady stream of students coming and going, and heard their laughter. So many were couples or small groups. Bill sighed and looked down.

Suddenly, he felt a clap on his shoulder. He gasped and spun around quickly

“Hey, kiddo. What’re you doing out tonight?”

It was Eddie, and he wasn’t alone. A tall, well-built woman accompanied him.

“Heya sugar, what’s your name?”

Bill gulped. “Bill. What’s your name?”

“You can call me Carla. Your neighbor is a cutie, Eddie.”

“Come on man, let’s go party at the student center. Buy ya a beer.”

Bill flushed. “I-I’m too young to drink yet.”

“Oh. Well, I can fix ya up with a fake ID.”

“No, no thanks. I don’t really like drinking.”

“How about a soda? Can you handle that?” Carla interjected.

Bill stiffened. He hated being thought of as a child. “I could take a soda, come on, let’s go.”

Bill followed behind his roomie and his friend. He watched both of them, but Eddie kept pulling his eyes away from Carla. He stopped cold on the sidewalk. It was a few seconds until the dup noticed he wasn’t behind them anymore.

“Hey, kid, ya comin?”

“I-I need to change first, I’m too dressed up.”

Carla rolled her eyes.

Eddie walked back to Bill. “Why not loosen the noose dude? Ditch the jacket, untuck your shirt. There, now you look like a college student.”

“Uh, thanks.”

They continued on.

Bill and Nora continued dating. She does warm up a tad, but not very much. Bill had no say in where they went. She dictated his dress code, how he acted, everything. Bill went along with all of it, he was so blinded by her.

Eddie noticed too. He kept out of it as well as he could, but couldn’t hold his tongue forever.

After a year of dating, Nora said she wanted out. Bill was heartbroken! He’d offered all he had and then some! Eddie couldn’t help but overhear. Once Nora left, he knocked on Bill’s door.

“Nora?”

“No, it’s Eddie. What happened, dude?”

Bill unlocked the door and let his friend inside. He motioned for Eddie to sit down, but he wouldn’t. Bill felt Eddie’s large arms encircle him and he felt an odd rush of peace. He turned to face his friend and unabashedly bawled into his chest.

“She’s no good for ya man.”

“She’s all I’ve known! She’s perfect!”

“Listen to me, no one is perfect.”

“I love her!”

“Really? It’s one-sided. She doesn’t give a crap about you.”

“Yes she does…”

“How are you so blind? Dude you’re dirt to her! You deserve so much better! You’re a great kid!”

Bill pushed away. “Would you please stop calling me kid?”

“Sorry, Bill. Look, come on over to my room, or down to the lounge. I’ll buy ya a soda.”

Bill straightened his clothes and pushed down his mussed hair. “Make it a beer.”

Eddie grinned. “Come on, I know just the spot.”

They both drank. Eddie is quite accustomed to it. Bill, however, wasn’t. After only two beers he felt buzzed. “One more, barkeep.” He ordered. “Make it a shot.”

Eddie intervened. “Dude, you barely handle beer, you want a shot?”

Bill smiled and patted Eddie’s shoulder. “In remembrance of Nora, make it ice cold.”

The bartender served up a shot of whisky to both men. “Here’s to Nora, or whatever her name was. May she freeze over forever.” They both drank down their shots quickly. Bill smiled at first, then felt a warm rush go through him. He cupped his hand over his mouth and bolted outside. Eddie followed.

Bill had already been sick, he used his sleeve to wipe his mouth. Eddie was right there.

“Come on man, let’s get ya home.”

“I guess so. I’m so cold.”

“Here.” Eddie peeled off his leather jacket and put it over Bill’s shoulders. It swallowed his torso.

“Thanks, man.”

“No problem. Let’s go.”

They returned to the dorm. Eddie opened his door and went through the bathroom to get to Bill’s room. Eddie laid Bill down on his bed. He pulled off his shoes and retrieved the comforter from the end of the bed and covered him with it.

“I’ve got some Rolaids here, hang on.”

Bill took two of them and a few sips of water. “Eddie…”

“Yeah?”

“Thanks. You helped me.”

“Oh, nothing a lil booze won’t help. I’ve always found.”

Bill’s fingers caught in Eddie’s mane of hair. He twisted it around his fingers.

“Stay with me?”

“I’ll be right here.”

Eddie got up and left the room for a moment. Bill felt a wave of sadness hit him as he saw Nora’s picture in the corner. He covered his face and bawled. Eddie ran back in and sat by his side.

“Shhh, Bill. It’ll pass, I promise you.” He wiped away Bill’s tears from his eyes with his large thumbs.

“Eddie…”

“Shhh. No words needed.” Eddie bent down and covered Bill’s lips with his own. Bill was a bit surprised, but felt much more at ease. He put his arms around Eddie’s broad shoulders and held him down. They kissed a few times. Eddie held Bill to him while they were on their sides and ran his fingers down the young man’s face and neck. They smiled together.

“Always knew you had to be a hot kisser.” Eddie remarked.

“You too…I guess you’ve had a lot more practice at it than I have.” Bill grinned and looked into Eddie’s eyes. His black hair spilled over his shoulders while Bill readily twirled with his fingers. “How long have you? I mean…”

“Ever since I saw you. I stayed outta your way, I tried to just be cool with you.”

Bill held his friend close for a moment as another wave of sadness washed over him. “I don’t know what to do, or feel. Not about your or Nora or…”

Eddie put his fingers to his friend’s lips. “Shhh, don’t strain your brain, goto sleep. Things will look clearer in the morning.”

Bill held himself tighter against the man’s side. “Will you stay with me?”

“You gonna puke again?” Eddie jibed.

“Hope not. Will you stay?”

“Course I’ll stay. I need to get ready for bed first.” He got up and stripped completely. Bill’s eyes tried not to stare the entire time, but found the entire spectacle an inviting show. Eddie had very strong legs and arms, each one painted with an elaborate tattoo. The mid-section housed what appeared to be a very long cock nestled snuggly in a mass of jet black hair. Bill had to stop himself from thinking of what lay beyond that.

Finally, the nude Eddie tossed back his hair over one shoulder and climbed back into bed with his friend. Bill tried to catch a glimpse of his backside as he crossed over him to lay on his side. They snuggled up together in a spooning pose and even shared the same pillow.

Bill kissed the man’s arm. “You feel so warm.”

“You’re freezing.” Eddie kissed his forehead and put his hand on it. “You feel warm, might be coming down with something.”

“I don’t want you to get sick too, maybe you’d better leave.”

Eddie laughed. “Hell, kid, I already kissed you. We can be sick together.”

Bill turned his body to face his friend. He played with the hair again and ran his slender fingers over the man’s tan face. “Eddie…”

“Shhh, you need your rest. Just curl up inside me and we’ll goto sleep.”

Bill wrapped his arm around his friend’s warm body and held himself as close as possible. Eddie pitched the covers over them and after making sure Bill was out, he closed his eyes and fell asleep as well.

Next am:

Bill stirred first. “Egh, cotton mouth. Those antacids are like chalk.”

“You feelin better, dude? Lemme check.” He kissed Bill’s forehead again. “Nice and cool. Whew, was worried there.”

“I guess I just had a low grade fever, my body fought it. course, you kept me warm enough that it broke.”

“Eh, don’t mention it.”

Bill reached for his friend’s hand. “Eddie, thank you, for everything.”

“Anytime, man.”

“This, doesn’t change us, does it?”

“No, dude, we’re cool. Hey, I gotta get up, I’m due in class right now.” He arched over the young man and climbed out of bed. His dark hair covered his back completely, leaving the only view his exposed behind. Bill couldn’t help but stare.

“Do, you always sleep nude?”

“Yeah, mostly. That didn’t freak you out, did it?”

“No, it’s cool.”

Eddie pulled on his skin tight jeans and tossed on his tee shirt from last night. He looked back once more.

“Will you be ok?”

“Oh, yeah, I’m fine. Thanks again.”

“Anytime, bud.”

They hugged again and Eddie took off down the hall.

Later that month, Nora had a change of heart. She half-heartedly apologized to Bill and he ate it up. He begged her to take him back, even promised to marry her! Nora squealed, the ring she always wanted!

The next year passed quickly, their senior year. Eddie still had another year. Bill was anxious to leave and lead the life he thought he wanted.

“Hey, dude? Just wanna congratulate you. I hope she’s what you really want.”

“Thanks, Eddie. I wish you’d be my best man.”

“No, that’s for your brother. I’ll be out of town kid, sorry.”

“Where ya heading?”

“Florida. Buddy of mine has a beach house. I’m meetin a few pals down there.”

“Oh. Well, have fun.”

“I will. Suds and laughin, put on some tunes. Great time.”

“I guess I’ll see ya soon then.”

“Think your new wife will let me near the house?”

“Eddie…”

“Forget it, I’ve said enough. Good luck, man.” Eddie took off. Bill tried his cell phone a few times, but it went straight to voicemail.

Wedding Day

Nora was the vision of a queen. Everything was just so. Most of the attendees were high society types, her parent’s friends. The bridesmaids were her college friends, all in bright pink.

Bill stood nervously next to his brother, Max. His eyes couldn’t help but paruse the crowd for some sign of Eddie, no luck. He’d tried all week to call him without success.

Bill saw Nora and his fears quieted for a moment. She was so beautiful! He turned and saw the priest and fell sullen. His mind wandered to the bachelor party held last night. He wanted Eddie to be there.

As the priest came to the vows, Bill barely focused. Nora scowled at him.

“Billy, will you pay attention! This is my wedding!”

Bill frowned and shot her a glare. “Your wedding? Just yours? Isn’t it our day, Nora? You and I?”

“Billy, don’t you dare ruin this! I’m warning you!”

“No! You won’t have to warn me! A friend of mine warned me long ago about you! You are a bitch! You don’t care about me, just your high society freaks and your perfect looks! I deserve better than you!”

“Lemme guess, that brutish friend of your Eddie told you that?”

“He helped me see the light. Thank goodness I did before it was too late! This wedding is off!”

Bill took off down the aisle, Nora called after him.

“You come back here! How dare you embarrass me!”

“It’s all about you again! Goodbye, Nora!”

“Fine! You creepy middle-class virgin! Go back to your football and cocktail weenies!”

“I will! Think I’ll have a few beers too!”

He ran out of the back of the church to his car. He tried one last time to call Eddie. As if by some miracle, he picked up.

“Eddie?”

“Bill? Uh, aren’t you married by now?”

“Not to that bitch! You were so right! I wish you were here, I need to talk to you!”

“Bill, I am here. I’ve been here all week.”

“What? Why…”

“Meet me at Jefferson Park. I’ll explain everything.”

“You’d better. Cya there.”

Long talk:

“Bill, I have feelings for you…”

“I do too, I think I always have.”

“What do you feel?”

“I’ve wanted you, for a long time.”

“Bill, I love you.”

“You do? Omg! I love you too!” Deep kisses. They go back to Eddie’s house. A week later, they’re together.