by A. V. Zeppa
Seeing those blue eyes and that cute smile again made Marco’s heart melt. He knew it was fate playing its hand, so he asked, “Would you like to exchange phone numbers? We could get to know each other better just in case we both get in. It would be nice having at least one friend here in the fall.” Marco’s heart raced frantically as he waited for David’s answer.
“Yeah, definitely.”
They exchanged phones and put their numbers in. His hands were shaking slightly as he pressed each number. He had never felt this nervous around any guy except Dylan. A minute later an admissions officer called his name. David wished him good luck. Marco did the same. He stood up and said, “This should be interesting.”
The admissions officer and a professor from the English department interviewed Marco. They started out by discussing twentieth century fiction because that was Marco’s area of interest. Hemingway, Steinbeck, Salinger, McCullers, and Forrester, were influential in his development as a writer. He admired the skillful ways in which each author looked at human nature and its inner workings. Those particular authors were catalysts for his own writing style.
Marco needed to show them that he was more than just a pretty face. He opened up completely so they would understand how serious he was. The professor was impressed with his portfolio, asking questions about several pieces of prose he found insightful. Marco explained his motivation for each story and what he was trying to achieve with certain word choices and imagery. At that point the conversation became a bit more animated because they were now on the same page philosophically. He thanked them for their time and consideration when the interview concluded. He returned to the reception room where one student was still sitting there waiting to be called in. He hoped that David was still being interviewed so he could see him again. He decided to wait for a while just in case.
As he sat there waiting, Marco realized he was crushing on David. He thought that feeling had disappeared years ago. He crossed his fingers hoping he was still inside. Five minutes later he heard David thanking the admissions officer for the interview. His heart began to race. When David walked through the door, Marco stood up and asked, “So, how did it go?” David looked at him and smiled. “I think pretty well actually. It was a lot different from what I had envisioned. How was your interview?”
“I thought mine went well too. It was a little intimidating at first because I had two people interviewing me. But we ended up having a great conversation about the writing process.”
Marco couldn’t take his eyes off of David. He wanted to grab him and kiss those perfect lips right then and there, but fought that urge with all his might. Marco’s gaydar worked every time, but for some reason he couldn’t tell if David was gay or not.
“You’re a writer?”
“Yeah, I love to write. It takes me to places no one else knows about. You know, I go to my own little world to live and breathe with my characters. I know it sounds crazy.”
“No, not at all. I can definitely relate.”
“What’s your major?” Marco asked.
“Math and Physics. I’m going to double major.”
“Wow, that is so cool. So you’re one of those math and science gods. I would never have thought that because you don’t look the part.”
“What do you mean?”
Marco felt embarrassed as he tried to say something intelligent. He was just too enamored with David to find the right words. “I don’t know, but you don’t look like, please excuse the term, a geek. You look more like a musician to me. You look like you could be in One Direction or The Wanted.”
“You’re right. I am a musician too. I play guitar and sing a little, but I’m definitely a math and science geek,” David said, with a slight laugh.
“I’m a geek too. I think we have a lot in common.” Marco was flirting and could see that David didn’t have a clue, so he changed tactics.
“So, where are you from?”
“Michigan.”
“Cool. What’s it like there?”
“I love it. I’m from a small town in Northern Michigan, right on Lake Michigan. I’ve lived there all my life.”
“Well David, You’re a long way from home. Welcome to the Emerald City..lol”
“Thanks. Where are you from?”
“The Upper East Side. I’ve lived in Manhattan my entire life.”
“Wow, that is amazing.”
“I like it. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.”
“I hope I get in so I can live here too. I love this place already.”
Marco couldn’t help himself and started flirting again. “I don’t mean to be forward, but I think you’re a very cool guy. I’m glad I almost knocked you over. It’s kind of like fate or something.”
“Yeah. I’m glad we met.” They talked for a few more minutes and then walked outside to the plaza. Marco knew it was time to go. “It was really nice meeting you. Let’s stay in touch.” He shook David’s hand. “I hope you have fun while you’re here.” Then he reluctantly walked away. He made his way to Broadway, got in a cab, and headed to SoHo to do some shopping. He leaned his head back against the seat and reflected on everything that had just happened. He was in seventh heaven. A few minutes later he sent David a text. “Enjoy the city and have a safe flight back home. Please keep in touch.”
CHAPTER 10
David
David and his father got home a lot later than anticipated Sunday evening. Their plane was delayed twice. First there was an hour and a half delay because the terminals were overbooked. Then their plane didn’t have a full crew, so they were delayed for another hour waiting for one more steward to show up. David didn’t mind because it gave him time to do some homework. He was the only student at his school taking Multivariate Calculus, a college level course he was flying through with ease. David enjoyed this level of Calculus because it gave him a greater understanding of curves, surfaces, scalar and vector fields.
Even though David was tired, he couldn’t wait to tell his mom and sister all about the trip. They sat around the kitchen table talking and eating the reheated dinner she had saved for them.
“Mom, New York City is unbelievable. It was kind of overwhelming at first, but dad and I got used to it pretty quick. It’s actually easy to get around. We went on one of those double decker tour buses to see everything. Even if I’m not accepted at Columbia, we have to go there for vacation. You would love it. Dad and I can show you around Manhattan. There is so much to see and do.”
David’s father agreed. “I was impressed. Honestly, I didn’t think I was going to like it, but once I decided to just go with the flow, I started to enjoy the energy.”
“I’m happy you boys had a nice time. What was the campus like?”
David’s eyes lit up. “The campus is perfect. I stood in the center of it taking the whole thing in. It felt surreal. I really want to go there. I want you and dad to be proud of me.”
“Honey, your father and I are proud of you. Getting or not getting into Columbia is never going change that.”
“Yeah, I know. It’s just…Thank you for saying that.”
She leaned over and kissed David on the forehead. “So tell me about the interview.”
“I was so nervous at first, but dad calmed me down. I went into the interview and just tried to be myself. A professor from the Physics Department interviewed me instead of an admissions officer. His name was Professor Logan. Mom, he was really young and really smart. He explained everything I needed to know about the math and physics programs. We talked for over a half hour. I thought the interview was a success. I know I did my best, so I’m satisfied regardless of the outcome.”
While they continued eating dinner and talking, David’s thoughts kept drifting to Marco.
“What are you smiling about?” his mom asked.
“I guess I’m just smiling because it was so awesome.” David didn’t want to tell her that he met a cute guy and was crushing. He decided to keep that to himself.
“No, it’s not in midtown. Broadway runs diagonally all through Manhattan. Columbia is on the Upper West Side in a place called Morningside Heights. It’s near the Hudson River, Riverside Park, and Harlem.”
Tyler asked, “You mean you’d be going to college in the hood?”
“Yeah, I guess I would be. Harlem looked pretty cool. My dad and I stopped there on the bus tour and walked around on 125th street. It was interesting. There were street vendors selling all sorts of stuff, the Apollo Theater, and an eclectic mix of people walking around. I could feel a real sense of history.”
“Whenever someone mentions Harlem I think about Law and Order or the Harlem Renaissance,” Tyler said.
“Funny you say that. While we were walking around, I was thinking about Langston Hughes, Cab Calloway and other artists we learned about in American History.”
All of a sudden David’s phone buzzed. He smiled when he saw who the text was from. Melissa glanced over to see who it was. “Who’s Marco?” she asked, with a curious tone in her voice.
“He’s a guy I met on campus.”
“Someone’s got a crush on a boy named Marco,” Melissa sang. She grabbed the phone out of his hand and read the message aloud.
“Hey David, I just wanted to make sure you got home safely. I hope you enjoyed your stay in New York. It was very nice meeting you. I was wondering if you would like to skype tonight. I’ll be home all evening. Let me know. Have fun at school, I know I won’t..lol”
David blushed as Melissa read it. “Awe, that is so sweet,” she said, giving the phone back hoping he wasn’t mad. Tyler hadn’t said a word because he was jealous. He knew he shouldn’t have been, but he was. He tried to shake it off and convince himself that he was happy David had met someone. But the twinge in his stomach hurt like crazy. Tyler asked, “Is he gay?”
“I don’t know. I don’t think so, but I hope he is.”
“What does he look like?” Melissa asked.
David smiled. “He is one of the cutest guys I’ve ever seen. He’s almost as cute as you, Tyler.”
Tyler smiled and grabbed the steering wheel tight, trying to keep his emotions in check. It made him feel good that David still thought he was cute. Melissa looked at Tyler. “Think of the possibilities if you were gay.”
“Leave him alone Melissa,” David said, hoping she would drop it.
“I just thought, you know….” her voice trailed off.
It went dead silent except for the sound of the truck cruising down the road. David’s mind went back to the night when he and Tyler kissed each other. All three were thinking the same thing; David and Tyler being boyfriends. Even though David had wanted that to happen since eighth grade, he knew Tyler wasn’t ready.
He finally broke the silence. “You should have seen what Marco was wearing. He had on this perfect looking suit and expensive looking shoes. He looked like one of those models you see in magazines. His facial features were unique too. I’ve never seen anyone who looks like him. He kind of looked Asian and Spanish to me. He’s tall and thin and has gorgeous jet black hair. He’s very charming and sophisticated too. Needless to say, I was intimidated. I looked like such a geek compared to him. All I needed was a pocket protector to complete my wardrobe.”
“David, you’re cute and sophisticated too. You just don’t know it,” Melissa said, telling him the truth. Then came words of warning. “Well, he sounds like a typical New York preppy guy. Those types can be dangerous in more ways than one.”
“Come on Melissa. That’s nothing more than stereotyping,” David said, looking somewhat annoyed.
“Have you ever seen that reality show NYC Prep? The students on that show are so fucking rich. They have no idea how the rest of society lives. You have to be extremely careful hanging around with the privileged few,” she countered, knowing this from experience.
David looked at her strange for a second, taking in what she said with some seriousness.
“You’re right, Marco is wealthy, and he confirmed it when he told me that he lived on the Upper East Side. But he wasn’t at all like you’re describing from that stupid show. Melissa, you’re not that way. Reality TV is fake. You know people say and do all sorts of weird things to get their few minutes of fame. Why do you watch that stuff anyway?”
“look, I’m not trying to be negative, but you need to take it slow with this guy if he turns out to be gay, and you end up going to college together.”
“Yeah, yeah, ok mom,” David said. He turned his head and looked blankly down the road.
He started feeling insecure. “You know, I loved being at Columbia, but at the same time I felt inadequate. I’ve been thinking that maybe I won’t fit in there. The rich and the average probably don’t mix very well. Honestly, sometimes I don’t even know what I’m thinking. I should just go to college here and forget all about New York.”
Talking about Marco was supposed to make him happy, but instead it made him apprehensive about the whole situation.
“That’s bullshit David. You belong at Columbia not because you’re rich, but because you’re so fucking smart, and because you have the passion and strength to succeed. Columbia should be happy that you applied there. I don’t think they’re seeking perfect looking rich people. I think they’re looking for people like you who will learn and contribute something meaningful. Don’t be afraid. You’ve never been afraid, so don’t start that shit now,” Tyler said, hoping to shake David out of whatever insecurity he was feeling. A minute later they pulled into the school parking lot.
“Thanks for saying that. It means a lot coming from you. I guess I’m just scared about the future.” Tyler looked at David wanting to say something else, but couldn’t find his own courage.
David got out of the truck and sent his reply saying he’d love to Skype. Marco responded a few seconds later with a thumbs up.
While they were walking towards the doors, David decided to friend Marco on Facebook. He knew it would let him know that he was gay, because it said so in his profile. He was proud to be out and wanted Marco to know the truth. He figured that if he didn’t accept, then their friendship was never meant to be. He pressed the request button just before he walked through door.
It was 11:45 am when David’s Chem class let out. He met up with Tyler at his truck and headed into town to get some lunch. He noticed that Tyler looked like he was in a bad mood. “Is anything wrong? You seem like you’re lost in your thoughts.”
“No, I’m fine. I just have some stuff on my mind that I’m trying to work out. I’m sorry I’m not very good company today.”
“You know I’m right here if you need to talk, ok?”
“Thanks, I know you are.” Tyler looked at David for a quick second giving him a little half smile, then kept his eyes fixed to the road so he wouldn’t reveal the truth.
They sat down in their favorite booth at Mary’s Diner and ordered sliders and fries. While they waited for their food, David decided to check his Facebook page again to see if Marco had accepted yet. There was nothing. No response. This had him worried. He knew the whole gay thing probably blew any chance of being friends.
Melissa, Brad, and Kathy came into the restaurant a few minutes later and sat at the booth across from them. Brad was giving David and Tyler dirty looks as usual. Melissa put the leash on him quickly. A few other people came in from school, so things got noisy and fun. Then Emma came in and strategically sat next to Tyler. David smiled because he could tell she was trying to put the moves on him. He thought about what a cute couple they’d make if it ever happened.
He sat there eating and looking out at the harbor and lake. He had a sinking feeling in his stomach, l
ike destiny was playing a dirty trick on him. But then it happened. He got a message from Marco. He discreetly took his phone out and kept it under the table so no one could see. David’s smile grew wide as he read the words that made his wish come true.
“Hey David, I’m sorry that I couldn’t friend you sooner. My school confiscates our phones as soon as we walk into the building. They give them to us at lunch so we can communicate with the outside world..lol I’m at lunch with friends right now. I noticed your profile says that you’re gay. I just want to let you know that I’m gay too. I can’t wait to skype tonight so we can get to know each other better. Enjoy the rest of your day.”
David sent a text back telling Marco that he looked forward to skyping, and that he was happy to know he was gay too. David spent the rest of lunch looking at Marco’s Facebook page trying to get to know him better. It turned out to be one of the best afternoons David ever had.
CHAPTER 11
Marco
Marco stood in his dressing room getting ready for school. He normally hated Mondays because his weekends of writing and sex were interrupted. But something was radically different about the weekend he had just experienced. The interview at Columbia, and meeting that cute blond guy from Michigan made him happy for once.
David had been on Marco’s mind all weekend. He was different from the guys he went out with. He could tell that David was somewhat shy, yet very determined. He found that endearing. He also knew David was probably off the charts academically because of what he was majoring in. This scared and fascinated him. But the thing he liked most about David was that he was real.
It was a perfect autumn morning so Marco decided to walk the ten blocks to school. He sent Zander a text saying that he was on his way. He made his regular stop at the Nector Cafe and ordered his usual Caramel Macchiato. He decided to send David a text while he waited.
“Hey David, I just wanted to make sure you got home safely. I hope you enjoyed your stay in New York. It was nice meeting you. I was wondering if you would like to skype tonight. I’ll be home all evening. Let me know. Have fun at school, I know I won’t..lol”