Salvation's Song

by Pearl Love

  Tyrell grunted in agreement. “We’re getting pretty good at it, if I dare say so myself.”

  Mr. Crabtree spent the next few minutes questioning them about how much they’d accomplished and what they’d discovered about their powers. “So you can establish the resonance between you at a distance?”

  “Yeah,” Tyrell replied. “At least as far as from one side of the school to the other.” Mr. Crabtree had told them that they could in effect destroy any aluuku caught in the span of their resonance.

  “I was in the Phys Ed building,” Jeremy elaborated, “and I could feel Tyrell all the way at the back of the main building.” He smiled at Tyrell. “I could hear him singing.”

  “Excellent,” Mr. Crabtree said. “But it’s still not enough to deal with what you might face on Friday.”

  Tyrell raised a disbelieving eyebrow. “Are you serious? What more can we do than that?”

  Mr. Crabtree smirked. “Would you believe me if I told you that, at their peak, your powers can encompass the entire city? Maybe even more?”

  Jeremy looked openly skeptical. “No way. We were both exhausted just after trying to cover the school!”

  “You’re both young, Jeremy, and so are your powers. As you mature, you will be able to accomplish more than you ever dreamed possible.”

  Tyrell exhaled heavily. “That’s great, but what about the game? If they’re going to attack the entire stadium, what can we do?”

  “Continue your training, of course.” Mr. Crabtree returned Tyrell’s stare thoughtfully. “But there may be another way to enhance your power more quickly.”

  “How?” Jeremy asked. He sat straight, his body language reflecting his eagerness to do whatever he could to help save his fellow students.

  Mr. Crabtree smiled. “I believe there is more to your relationship than mere friendship. Am I wrong?”

  Jeremy instantly flushed beet red, and Tyrell goggled at Mr. Crabtree, shocked by the allegation, no matter how true it might be.

  “What are you saying?” Tyrell blurted out.

  Mr. Crabtree held up a hand. “No, don’t bother to deny it. You two aren’t nearly as subtle as you think with the puppy eyes you’re always giving each other.” He chuckled. “Don’t worry. I think it’s quite adorable, and it will be extremely useful.”

  “Useful how?” Jeremy choked out, his voice thick with embarrassment.

  “You can use your growing romantic closeness to increase the intensity of your resonance. Your gifts work by harnessing your emotions, and there is no more powerful feeling in the world than love.” Mr. Crabtree laughed out loud. “Okay, I think I’ve given you enough to think about for one day. Are you both going to the game?”

  Tyrell nodded, still unable to speak through his shock that he and Jeremy had been so easily found out. Jeremy’s face was still bright with color as he did the same.

  “Good. I’ll meet up with you before kickoff, and we can try to determine the extent of what you might have to face.”

  Tyrell figured they were done and took the opportunity to flee. Jeremy was hot on his heels.

  “Oh my God,” Jeremy breathed once they were in the hall outside Mr. Crabtree’s office with his door closed safely behind them.

  Tyrell shrugged, trying to act unconcerned for Jeremy’s sake, though Jeremy’s shock was amplifying his own. “He didn’t seem to think it’s a big deal, so it’s fine. Come on,” he said, hoping Jeremy didn’t pass out. “Let’s get some practice in before we go home.”

  Jeremy was silent as they exited the main building and went to the grassy area behind the school where they’d found a convenient place to hone their skills. The athletic field was on the far side of the Phys Ed building, so they wouldn’t be interrupted by the football or cheer teams, who were practicing for Homecoming.

  Tyrell had seen Shaunteé in the halls between classes and assumed she and the rest of the dance squad were working hard to get ready for their halftime performance. He hadn’t realized until that moment how little he’d missed her since leaving her behind at Nicole’s birthday party. He only had eyes for Jeremy now, and he was perfectly fine with that.

  They began by unspoken agreement once they’d reached the secluded area they’d claimed as their practice grounds. Closing his eyes, Tyrell began the deep breathing that helped him hear the music trapped deep in his mind. He didn’t know precisely where the sound resided, but it was with him constantly these days, a background hum he only had to concentrate slightly to perceive.

  He smiled as he felt Jeremy take hold of his hands. While it wasn’t strictly necessary, the physical contact did help them establish their resonance more quickly. That and touching Jeremy always felt good.

  He opened his mouth, and his song poured forth, melding with Jeremy’s until the notes swirled around them, making the air vibrate and seeping deep into the earth beneath their feet. He knew that if anyone were to catch them, they’d see nothing but two guys standing face-to-face, holding hands. But when he opened his eyes, secure that the connection was fully established, he could see their song swirling around them in a display of bright colors that went far beyond the visible spectrum. It was beautiful, but not as captivating as the sight of Jeremy standing in front of him, the ringlets of his hair caught aloft in the invisible whirlwind. Jeremy was looking back at him, and Tyrell grinned as their song warmed him to the very depths of his soul.

  After a long moment, the notes faded away. They stood there panting, the expenditure of energy still taxing although he found it easier every time they practiced. “Not bad,” he said raggedly, inhaling deeply to steady his breathing.

  Jeremy smiled, but he couldn’t hide the worry on his face. “Do you think we’ll be ready for the game? I’d hate to think what might happen if we aren’t.”

  “Don’t be such a Debbie Downer.” Tyrell smiled and pulled Jeremy close so he could wrap his arms around his waist. “We’ll save everyone because we have to.” He leaned down and pecked Jeremy gently on the lips. “Still, like the man said, we should keep working at it.” He repeated the kiss, this time lingering as he explored the intriguing texture of Jeremy’s mouth.

  Jeremy giggled as he pulled slightly away. “I don’t think this is what Mr. Crabtree had in mind.”

  “Oh, sure he did,” Tyrell said confidently. He grinned mischievously. “Didn’t you hear him? We have to work on our ‘growing romantic closeness.’”

  “You’re a nut,” Jeremy scolded gently, though he didn’t hesitate when Tyrell kissed him in earnest.

  Tyrell probed at Jeremy’s lips cautiously with his tongue and was rewarded when Jeremy parted them, letting him delve inside. He groaned, intoxicated by the heat of Jeremy’s mouth and the softness he discovered there. Jeremy was clearly unused to being kissed. His back was rigid with nerves beneath Tyrell’s hands, but he began to relax as Tyrell massaged the taut muscles along his spine, his growing excitement pouring into Tyrell.

  “Mmmm,” Jeremy moaned, pressing closer into Tyrell as he apparently grew in confidence.

  Tyrell was no stranger to making out. Even before Shaunteé he’d had casual girlfriends, but being so intimate with Jeremy was a revelation. Maybe Jeremy was right that he was attracted to both boys and girls, but Jeremy was clearly something special. Perhaps it was their shared gifts. More likely, it was simply that he loved him. The thought wasn’t scary at all, and he smiled against Jeremy’s lips as he realized just how content he’d be to do this for the rest of his life.

  “Oh my word! What are you boys doing?”

  Tyrell cursed inwardly as he and Jeremy sprang apart. Jeremy’s face swiftly drained of color, and he was noticeably green around the edges. Tyrell felt Jeremy’s sudden nausea, and he kept a tight grip on his hand, more to make certain Jeremy didn’t faint than out of defiance.

  “M-M-Ms. Simonds,” Jeremy squeaked.

  Tyrell gritted his teeth as he met the vice principal’s shocked gaze. Ms. Simonds was clearly appalled, but her disbelief swiftly turne
d to anger. She pressed her lips together tightly and planted her hands on her slim hips.

  “Someone told me they’d seen some kids hanging out behind the school after class, so I thought I should investigate. I never expected to find anything like this. You two, come with me. Right. Now.” She spat out the words as though the very taste of them was disgusting.

  “Ms. Simonds,” Tyrell said, “we weren’t doing anything wrong.”

  She sputtered indignantly. “Nothing wrong? I will not tolerate such degenerate behavior at my school, Mr. Hughes.”

  Tyrell was slightly impressed that she actually knew his name. He’d never gotten in trouble or been referred to her office. In fact, he usually saw her only at the opening and closing assemblies. Maybe she had some sort of superpower for remembering the names of all her students.

  Jeremy, on the other hand, was visibly devastated, as though his world had come crashing down around his ears. The sight and sensation of his distress only hardened Tyrell’s resolve to shelter him from whatever Ms. Simonds was about to do to them. The vice principal turned on her two-inch heels and marched toward the nearest entrance to the main building, obviously expecting them to follow.

  “It’ll be okay,” he said softly, keeping a firm grip on Jeremy’s hand.

  Jeremy looked less than convinced.

  Once they entered the building, he let go of Jeremy so as not to cause a stir among the few students who still roamed the halls. He walked as closely to Jeremy’s side as he could as they followed Ms. Simonds to the administrative office, offering silent support.

  “You’re both in Mr. Crabtree’s division, aren’t you?”

  She didn’t wait for an answer before pulling open a drawer to one of the file cabinets that lined the walls. She retrieved two folders and, with a jerk of her head, directed them into her office. She slapped the files down on her desk and glared at them until they were seated. Tyrell saw his and Jeremy’s names written across the top of the folders, last names first. She opened his file since it had landed on top.

  “You’re not seriously going to call our parents are you?” Tyrell asked incredulously, hazarding a guess as to what she was up to.

  “That’s exactly what I’m going to do, Mr. Hughes,” Ms. Simonds replied. She glared down at them imperiously, still standing behind her desk. “And neither of you will be leaving this building until a parent comes to get you.”

  “Ms. Simonds,” Jeremy whined, “please don’t. Both my parents work, and they can’t afford to take off in the middle of the day.”

  “Humph. You should have thought about that before making such a tawdry spectacle of yourself, Mr. Michalak.” She snatched up the receiver of the phone on her desk and began punching in numbers.

  Tyrell rolled his eyes and groaned inwardly. Ms. Simonds was clearly a homophobe on a mission and wouldn’t be convinced otherwise. He realized that she was no better than Dunce, Jeff, and their football goons, except that she had real authority to make his and Jeremy’s lives difficult. He glanced over at Jeremy and sent him what he hoped was a reassuring smile.

  “Don’t worry,” he said softly. “Your folks won’t be mad, will they?”

  Jeremy shook his head. “Probably not. What about your mom?”

  Tyrell didn’t answer, pretty sure his mother would not, in fact, be cool with this.

  His prediction was fulfilled nearly an hour later when Joanne Hughes sailed into the room looking extremely disgruntled at having to leave early from her job. As a legal secretary, he knew she didn’t get much personal leave. Jeremy’s parents weren’t far behind. Tyrell marveled at the resemblance between Jeremy and his father when he walked into the vice principal’s office, although his eyes were an exact match for his mother’s.

  The Michalaks immediately flocked around their son, almost cooing with concerned agitation.

  “Ms. Simonds, what was so important that we had to come down here in the middle of the day?” Jeremy’s mother demanded.

  “Mrs. Michalak, please have a seat. You as well, Mrs. Hughes.” Ms. Simonds calmly indicated several empty chairs with a wave of her hand.

  Joanne dragged one close to where Tyrell was sitting and perched on it gracefully before crossing her legs. She was tapping her foot against the floor, a clear sign that she was supremely irritated. Jeremy’s father remained silent as he took a seat slightly behind his wife and son.

  “You didn’t say anything on the phone,” Joanne said. “Is Tyrell in some sort of trouble?”

  “I might ask you the same thing, Mrs. Hughes. Did you know that your sons are gay?” Ms. Simonds asked, addressing both sets of parents.

  Jeremy’s mother scoffed. “Of course I knew. He’s my son. I know everything about my children.”

  “I’m also aware,” Jeremy’s father added. “What of it?”

  Tyrell stared at them. He couldn’t believe how calm they were being about the whole thing, though he supposed in this day and age, lots of parents were cool with having gay kids. He couldn’t say the same for his own mother, however. He could almost feel the waves of anger rising off her as she tensed next to him.

  “What did you say?” Joanne spat. “My son is not a… homosexual.” She nearly choked on the word.

  Ms. Simonds smirked victoriously. “Then why did I catch these two kissing behind the school?”

  “Oh for Pete’s sake.” Jeremy’s mother glared at the vice principal. “Did you seriously call us down here for this? So what if they were! Classes are over, and they weren’t causing a disruption, were they?” She didn’t wait for Ms. Simonds to respond. “Would you have demanded to speak with us if they had been found kissing a girl? That’s what I thought.” She shook her head in disgust. “I’m extremely disappointed right now, Ms. Simonds. I would have expected more from someone who is tasked with shaping and developing young minds.”

  Ms. Simonds had obviously not been expecting such a reaction. She stared at Jeremy’s mother in silence for a long moment before her expression tightened. “I can’t speak to how you choose to raise your children in your own home, Mrs. Michalak, but here at Winton Yowell we have standards of behavior that all our students must meet.”

  “What are you saying?” Jeremy’s father asked. “Are you going to suspend them or something?”

  Ms. Simonds looked like she was considering exactly that, but eventually she shook her head. “No. As you noted, Mrs. Michalak, they acted after school hours. However, I felt this was something I should bring to your attention so that you might address the problem yourselves.”

  “As far as we’re concerned, there’s nothing to address.” Jeremy’s mother looked at her husband for confirmation.

  “Absolutely,” he said. “They’ve done nothing wrong, and certainly nothing that’s any of the school’s concern.”

  “Good.” Jeremy’s mother gathered herself to stand. “Then we can put this unfortunate matter behind us, and by that I mean your behavior, of course, Ms. Simonds.” She rose from her chair, ignoring the vice principal’s incredulous gasp. “Do you agree, Mrs. Hughes?”

  Tyrell braced himself for the coming storm. His mother did not disappoint.

  “Not on your life, Mrs. Michalak,” Joanne spat venomously. “Tyrell is my son to bring up as I see fit, and I’ll thank you to keep yours away from him.” She stared angrily at Jeremy’s parents, who gaped at her in shock. “I have raised my child to be right in the eyes of the Lord, and I will not let him be enticed into sin by whatever worldly notions your son has put into his head.”

  “Mom, please,” Tyrell begged, wanting desperately to melt into the floor in shame. But his mother was on a holy roll and wouldn’t be dissuaded.

  Joanne closed her eyes and lifted her hands. “Heavenly Father, I humbly beseech that you might place your loving hands on Tyrell and turn him off the path of wickedness. Save your child, oh Lord, so that he might know the blessing of a righteous life and not dishonor the law you laid down for us sinners in your infinite wisdom. I pray to thee in the
name of your Son, Jesus Christ!”

  Tyrell slumped into his chair, trying his best to become invisible.

  “Thank you, Mrs. Hughes.” The vice principal wiped away a tear. “That was lovely. I’m glad at least someone here understands what’s at stake. Now, I’m sorry I had to disrupt your day with this. I’ll leave it in your hands.”

  Jeremy’s mother snapped her jaw shut and shook her head. “Unbelievable. Come on, Jeremy. Let’s go.” She turned toward the door but paused and looked down at Tyrell. “You’re the friend Jeremy has been hanging out with lately?”

  Tyrell nodded miserably.

  She smiled gently. “It’s lovely to meet you. I hope we will see you again soon. You’re welcome at our place anytime.”

  “Not if I have anything to say about it,” Joanne said, staring daggers at her.

  Jeremy’s mother shrugged and pulled her son out of his seat. Jeremy stumbled but managed to shuffle out of the office after her, with his father bringing up the rear. Tyrell watched them go, trying to project a smiling confidence he didn’t feel when Jeremy threw a worried glance back at him as he disappeared through the door.

  “Let’s go home, Tyrell.” Joanne gathered up her purse and stood. “Don’t think I won’t be telling Reverend Thomas about this.” She glanced at her watch. “Maybe if I catch him at church, he’ll have time to do an anointing.”

  He didn’t know why he bothered to even say anything, but some sense of duty and foolhardy contrariness prompted him to speak. “Jeremy and I are supposed to go to the Homecoming game on Friday. It’s super important that we be there.”

  Joanne’s bark of laughter held no hint of amusement. “Think again, mister. You’re not going anywhere near that boy. Wearing his hair like he’s a girl.” She shook her head. “What are those parents of his thinking? Nothing good, I can tell you that!”

  Tyrell followed her silently, knowing from experience that it was best just to let her rant without interruption. He had more important things to think about, like how in the hell he was going to get to the game. He’d be damned if he let his mother’s bigotry doom his classmates to a horrible death.