Justin sat down on a park bench. It was 1:29 pm, and Austin still had not come. They had planned to meet and go into Manhattan together at sighed. Being punctual was something he would have to teach Austin.

Justin got up, dusting off his designer jacket. Turning, he saw Austin hurrying towards him, wearing his old, red, puffy jacket.

"Hey!" Austin said.

"Hey", replied Justin, looking him up and down. "I thought I told you to get rid of that jacket!"

"Well…sorry I'm late" Austin said."My mom was being weird. You know".

"That's all right", Justin replied.

Something about seeing Austin and that sweet smile of his always made Justin want to kiss him. And so he did.

***

Several breathless minutes later, they pulled apart. Smiling at each other they moved on towards the subway station.

***

A few hours later…

Laughing, Justin pulled Austin into a small café and out of the rain. After they had gotten off the subway, the weather had turned ugly on them, and it had started to pour. Austin went off to order some pastries, while Justin sat down at a table for two, dripping wet. Austin returned, holding two sweet danishes and two cups of steaming tea. Austin sat down and glanced around.

"I know!" Austin exclaimed. "Let's try to guess everybody's name!"

"Alright", Justin said, taking a bite of his danish "That person over there looks like an Edward".

Austin's hand was lying on the table. Justin wanted to take it sooooooooooooooo badly. He gathered up his courage, reached out, and grabbed Austin's hand. Austin looked down at their intertwined hands and smiled that sweet smile of his.

"No, not really", Austin said. "I think he looks more like a Henry"

And so a happy quarter hour passed. Until Austin happened to look up and noticed an old lady walking towards them.

"That woman looks like my Grandma Jane!"Austin exclaimed"Oh NO! It is my Grandma Jane!"

The old lady hobbled over.

"Why Austin! What a pleasant surprise! And who is this? One of your little friends from school dearie? But why are you two holding hands?

"Oh!" she breathed over them, comprehension dawning over her face. Her eyes were wide and round, and her wrinkled face was stretched out in surprise.

"You two are queer aren't you? Well you don't have to hide it, dear! You two dearie," she added to a bemused looking Justin."You don't need to worry. I won't tell a soul!"

And she hobbled out again.

Justin and Austin looked at each other, Justin with alarm on his face, Austin looking a little less worried. Do you think she will tell?"Justin asked.

"Nah," Austin replied."I mean she might, she is quite a gossipy old lady, but she will probably forget before she has the chance to.

Justin breathed a sigh of relief. He wanted to tell, but he still wasn't sure. What if the y rejected him? Oh well, he would have to tell them someday. He sighed again. Maybe…..

To be continued…….