Authors note: First off this yaoi which means boy x boy. If you don't like this kind of thing then kindly leave this page. So I am back after a very long break. College and life has kept me busy, plus I fell into a period of writers block. Please go easy on me as I try to get back into the swing of things. This chapter has light violence and open homosexuality. Hope you all like my new story.
Vincent's point of view
I would never be ashamed of the life I lived or the things I had to do to make it in the world. I knew one day things would get better…well I hoped they would. Being on my own from an early age I knew I would have to go to school to be able to have a good life, so I worked hard to finish high school and to save up so that I could go to college. Looking down at the stack of bills that were in front of me now, they had me wondering if my bad luck would ever turn around. Running my fingers through my hair I let out a sigh and glanced out the window. My apartment was small, run down and I didn't live in the best neighborhood, but it was all I could afford for the time being.
I looked down at my watch and saw that it was time for me to head out to school. Today would be a typical weekday for me, classes all day and then my job tonight. I just wished the day was over with, because it promised to be a long, gruelling day. Walking to the door I slipped my shoes on before grabbing my bag, wallet, keys and headed out the door. Locking up, I and headed to the bus stop to wait for my ride, and it was days like today that I wished I had a car.
My routine through the week never changed, classes from nine in the morning till six at night, and a small dinner in the corner of the library where I would study and wait for ten p.m. when I would need to leave for my job, and work as an exotic dancer at Hard Bodies downtown until two in the morning. I would rush home after my shift, grab a shower and fall into bed to get what precious sleep I could.
My weekends were just as precious even though I had to do errands; I knew I could take my time with getting things done. Sometimes I go into work for extra shifts, which meant extra money, but I don't do it all the time I wanted to have a social life too. Even though my money was tight my bills were paid and I had enough left over for groceries and things I needed. The few good friends I had always tried to help out, but I never accepted. It wasn't their place to support me. I arrived at the bus stop and stood waiting for the #6 that would take me to school.
I had my change ready as the bus rolled up and opened its doors. Stepping up the three steps I stopped at the fee box, dropped my money in and nodded to the driver who just ignored me. "Oh well," I thought as I took my seat and pulled out a book to pass the time away, and to ignore the people and the looks they gave me, it was the same no matter where I went, and it was mostly from girls, but I didn't care. Maybe it was due to the fact their boyfriends paid more attention to me. I just laughed to myself as I drown out the world around me. My looks were always quite feminine even though I am 100% male, and I liked my hair long, that wouldn't change for anyone. I was happy with the way I looked and the person I was and that was all that mattered to me.
When the bus finally came to a stop, I put my book away and got off the bus. I headed towards Sloan hall where my first class of the day took place. Walking in, I headed towards my seat and, of course the looks never stopped once as I sat down. A few minutes later I heard that ever familiar voice of my best friend, Skylar Grey.
"You know they're just jealous because they can't look as good as you." Skylar laughed as I rolled my eyes. Leave it to Skylar to say something so stupid. "Fine, be that way Vincent…but after class I need to talk to you." He said the last part after a brief pause.
"Alright Skylar we'll talk after class." I wondered what Skylar wanted to talk about.
After class let out Skylar and I walked to the student lounge, and headed to the corner of the room to sit on a couch, away from everyone. "So what's going on Skylar?" His big goofy grin was now bugging the hell out of me.
"I've met someone Vincent and he is wonderful." Skylar's goofy grin grew even wider, and I couldn't stop the ache in my heart or the jealousy. Don't get me wrong, I am happy for him, but I wanted to have someone in my life. I wanted to go to bed at night with arms wrapped around me and wake up knowing I am loved too. I swallowed the lump in my throat and looked up at Skylar. He seemed to know what was going on and pulled me into a hug. "Vincent you will find someone too…I'm sorry if I hurt you." I pulled free from the hug and smiled.
"I'm happy for you Skylar…when do I get to meet the lucky guy?" Skylar blushed as red as a tomato. "How about we all go out to dinner Saturday?" I knew I would have to check my funds, but I'm sure I could swing it. After all I had to meet the man who stole my best friend's heart. Noticing the time, Skylar and I jumped up, said our good-byes and headed off to our seperate classes.
The rest of my day was uneventful. My classes went good; I grabbed a quick bite to eat and headed to the library to do my homework. When nine o'clock rolled around I packed up my school work and headed off to the bus stop. The ride to work was the same, the looks, the whispers, did it ever end? The bus stopped a block before my job,but I didn't mind the walk. Walking up to Hard Bodies I nodded to Tony the bouncer who was standing outside. Giving a wink, I walked inside and made my way to the back. Being a male stripper wasn't all that bad and the money was good, it paid the bills and I knew I wouldn't be doing it forever. Hard Bodies is a gay strip club and I am glad too, the thought of women groping on me made my skin crawl. I have nothing against women, but put them in a strip club, add some alcohol into the mix and you have a disaster in the making.
I sat down at my dressing table, after putting my stuff into my locker. The other dancers were busy running around and getting ready. Even though I had no family everyone here looked out for each other and we all considered each other family. After applying my make-up, I slipped into my first costume and waited for my turn on stage. When I had first started here I was a bundle of nerves every time I went on stage, now I was just like a robot when it came to my routines and nothing bothered me. I heard the DJ announce my name before my music came on and I struted onto the stage. Walking down the center I ran my hands down my body, grinded my hips to the music and worked my way to the pole. Grabbing the pole I swung around it before teasing the crowd by ripping my shirt off. The money was in the customer's hands and I seduced them as I grabbed each bill. Soon I was down to nothing but my g string and was allowing money to be slipped in by greedy fingers. When the music ended I sent a wink out as I gathered my clothes and money before walking off stage.
Sorting through all the money, I fixed it and put it in a smal safe in my locker till my shift was over. After three more sets I was finally done for the night and was very grateful. Tonight had been a great night and I made more money then I usually did, but I was exhausted from the long day. After gathering my stuff I bid farewell to everyone and headed out the door to catch the last bus home.
As I was waiting for the bus to arrive I didn't notice the two guys who slipped up next to me. I pulled my bag closer to me as one of them spoke. "Hey sweetness how about you come party with us?"
I shook my head and moved away, but that only made them mad and before I knew it the taller of the two grabbed my arm. "I said how about you party with us?" his tone was angrier.
"No I don't party with strangers." I yanked my arm free as I said my peace, and their eyes widened as I spoke.
"What the hell? You're a guy?" I just ignored them, and that set them off, I was suddenly pushed into the other's arms, and my hands were yanked behind my back. "Maybe we need to teach this queer a little lesson." I saw his hand rise, but never felt the punch. I opened my eyes to see that someone else had joined in and had my attackers' wrist firmly gripped in the air.
"How about you two leave before I call the cops?" The stranger told my attackers' before releasing his hand. I was shoved hard into my savior's chest as the two men fled, and I was caught into a secure hold. I was shaking hard as he guided me to the bench. "Are you ok?" he asked.
I heard him and knew I should answer, but all I could manage was tears and a jerky shake of my head. At that moment I felt so weak and couldn't believe I was crying in front of someone I didn't even know. My bus came and went, but I didn't realize it until it was too late, and growled in frustration.
"I'll give you a ride home." The stranger told me.
"I cannot accept a ride from someone I don't know." I said and a hand was extended to me. I don't know why, but I took his hand despite of what I had just said and it felt so warm.
"My name is Cameron Reynolds and it would be my pleasure to give you a ride home." I knew it was a bad idea and I never do things like this, but I accepted anyway, and as we walked to his car from the bus stop I couldn't keep my eyes off of him. Cameron opened the car door and I was still in shock as I climbed in. That's when I realized "Oh shit he's going to see where I live."
