Charlie's POV
Gym class was over and Adam and I had just finished getting changed and were waiting for Guy when the trouble started. Beck and two of his friends walked into the change room. He took one look at us, then turned to his buddies and the three of them advanced on us, grinning like sharks.
"Well, well, if it isn't the two little fairies. How you doin', girls?"
I wanted to laugh. His words were right out of a prison movie. The urge left me rather suddenly, however, when I noticed that there was no one else in the room. We were alone with Beck and his goons. This was not good. Adam and I looked at each other nervously.
Just the, Guy walked out of one of the shower stalls, rubbing his hair with a towel. He stopped when he saw Beck and the others and was about to say something when Adam caught his eye and jerked his head toward the door. Guy nodded, and slipped out quietly.
"So girls, what's it gonna be?" Beck menaced, towering over us.
"Well," Adam said quietly. "Given that you've each got at least 50 pounds on us and outnumber us three to one, I'd say it's fairly likely we're going to get our asses kicked."
I couldn't help it. I laughed out loud.
"Oh, you think that's funny, you filthy little faggot?" Beck spat venomously. "Well, let's see if you can laugh your way out of this one. Danny, Robert, grab them."
Danny and Robert, who didn't seem to notice the stale cliches Beck kept churning out, complied. Adam and I fought, but those guys were huge, and it wasn't long before they had our arms pinned behind us in some kind of wrestler's hold so we couldn't move.
"You two are disgusting, you know that? You make me SICK." Beck punctuated this last word with a hard blow to Adam's stomach. Adam tried to double up, but the guy holding him was too strong, so he just stood there, his eyes wide, mouth opening and closing like a fish as he struggled to breathe.
"You asshole! I'll kill you!" I screamed, and I started to struggle madly, kicking and twisting so the guy holding me had to fight to keep his grip. I was almost loose when Beck hit me in the jaw and I went limp, bright star- like images dancing before my eyes.
You really do see stars, I thought dimly. Just like in the movies...Just then the door slammed open and Fulton charged in, followed closely by Portman and Guy. He threw himself at Beck, hitting him in the middle and knocking him to the ground in a classic football tackle.
"What did I tell you, huh? You slimy bastard, what did I tell you?" Fulton was sitting on Beck's chest, shaking him so hard his head flopped back and forth like a rag doll. Portman and Guy came at the guys holding Adam and me, but they let go of us immediately and backed up, both of them casting uneasy glances toward Fulton. He hit Beck twice in the face, splitting his lip with the first blow and bloodying his nose with the second.
"Enough, man, I give up!" Beck cried.
Fulton hauled Beck to his feet and slammed him against the lockers. "You think you're tough, you fucking pussy? This how you get your kicks, jumping kids half your size? You want a fight, you got one! Come on, man, I'm ready!" Fulton backed up and spread his arms in invitation. His eyes were flashing furiously. I'd never seen him like this before, and to tell you the truth, I was a little scared.
Guy took a step forward, as if he was about to get between them, but Portman put a hand on his shoulder and shook his head silently. Beck was holding his nose, which was dripping blood all over the floor. He was looking at Fulton, who was glowering at him, his fists clenched at his side, his muscles taut and ready, and I could tell he was trying to decide if he could take him. Beck had about three inches on Fulton, but not much weight, and you could see he was freaked by Fulton's anger as well.
Finally, Beck raised his bloody hands in the air and backed up a step. "Alright, man, peace." He and his friends started to go but Portman grabbed his shoulder.
"That's two strikes you got now, man. You got off easy on both of 'em. A word of advice: don't go for three." Beck nodded, and the three of them left, noticeably subdued.
"Are you guys alright?" Guy asked in concern, stepping toward us.
"We're fine, thanks to you guys," Adam said, holding his stomach.
"Yeah, thanks, you really saved our asses," I said, rubbing my jaw.
"Come on, we'd better go get some ice for that," Fulton said softly, leading us towards the door. He seemed perfectly normal, as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened, but when I looked closer I noticed he was trembling slightly, and was wearing the same little half-smile he'd had after our first run-in with Beck. He had enjoyed himself.
Back in Fulton and Portman's dorm we all sat down, Adam and I on one bed, Fulton and Portman on the other, while Guy went to get some ice, as well as Connie and Julie. When they got back, Adam and I told them what had happened while Fulton wrapped the ice in a towel and handed it to me.
"Just hold it against your jaw for 10 minutes or so. I know it's cold, but this way it won't swell up like you've got mumps."
"What the hell are mumps, anyway?" Portman wondered.
Fulton looked around, and when no one else answered, he muttered, "Swelling of the salivary glands."
"I just can't believe those pricks came after you again," Connie said angrily. "I wish I had been there just to see the look on Beck's face when Fulton jumped on him."
"Must have felt pretty good to hit him, huh Fulton?" Julie asked. Fulton grinned, and nodded.
"Oh, he liked it alright. Maybe a little too much." Portman said slyly. "Our boy Fulton here's got a real violent streak, don't you, buddy?" Fulton blushed slightly, and looked down at the ground.
"Yeah, but only when they deserve it," Adam put in. "It's the same in hockey. You never hit from behind or anything, and you only go after guys who've just slashed one of us or something."
"Yeah, man, you're like our bodyguard," I said.
"Well, I doubt you'll have to worry about Beck and his friends again. Fulton really put the fear of God into them, but remember to be careful all the same, okay?" Portman smiled, looking at me and Adam. "We really can't afford to lose you guys, you're two of our best scorers."
"We'll be careful,"
"So ,it's Friday night, and we don't have a game till Sunday. You guys want to do something together?" Julie asked.
We all nodded. Nothing like a good gay-bashing to bring people together.
"So, you want to go to a movie or something?" Guy asked.
"Nah, let's just hang out together somewhere. Fulton, since you're the hero of the night, you get to choose. What do you want to do?" Julie asked, looking at Fulton with more than a little admiration in her eyes.
Fulton shrugged, as I knew he would. "I don't know."
"Well, come on, what do you and normally do? You and Portman?" I asked.
Fulton and Portman looked at each other, and grinned. "You guys up for trying something new?" Portman asked. *** "So I guess what I'm trying to say is that time travel is more than just possible, it's something we all come across on a regular basis, though most of us are too blind to recognize it for what it is," Adam finished.
I knew exactly what he meant. "That's incredible, man, I totally get where you're coming from, it's like you put words to these thoughts that I've had in my head for.forever!" I said breathlessly, staring into his beautiful brown eyes in awe and admiration.
"Isn't it amazing that two people can just connect like this, sort of as if they were of..."
"...one mind," we finished together. We stared at each other in utter shock for several long moments, simply marveling at the staggering impact of it all
"Wow," I said finally. "Wow."
Beside us, a few feet away, Guy and Connie collapsed into each other's arms, overcome by fits of hysterical laughter, and even though I didn't know what they were laughing about, I felt I understood them as well. The seven of us were gathered around on the grassy area that surrounded the football field, sprawled under the trees (or, in the case of Julie,Fulton and Portman, climbing them) that ran alongside it. The tree above us suddenly gave a tremble as something heavy hit one of its branches.
"Hee, hee! I'm Tarzan!" Julie giggled. "Aaah-aah-ooah-aaah-ooah!"
"Was that supposed to be Tarzan's jungle cry?" Guy called up. "Because if so, it really needs some work, sweetheart." That set him and Connie off on another laughing fit, and this time Adam and I joined in.
"Hey!" Julie cried down in a voice of great indignation. "that was an awesome jungle cry!"
I heard Fulton and Portman start to laugh as well, and Julie finally gave up and joined in. When we had finally calmed down, everyone gave a great collective sigh, and that started us going again.
"No more, please, no more," Connie cried, holding her stomach. "If I don't get to a bathroom soon, I'm going to pee!"
"Mmmm, bathroom, that makes me think of food," called Portman from up in his tree. "Why don't we head down to the 7-11? Connie can use the bathroom and we can pick up some munchies."
"That's like, the best idea in the history of the world," I said admiringly, and Portman laughed.
"Man, Fulton, we shouldn't have started these good, clean, wholesome kids off on our killer skunk. They're baked out of their fucking heads."
"And you're not, George of the Jungle?" Adam said slyly. "Hey, that was really witty."
"Hey, is this what you and Portman are doing during lunch all the time?" Julie asked.
"Mostly," Fulton said. "So I guess the two of us corrupted you guys, huh?"
"Oh well, it had to happen sooner or later."
"Yeah, I always wanted to be a bed influence. Let's go, "Portman said, jumping down out of the tree. Fulton followed him too quickly and landed half on top of him, and the two of them rolled over together, cackling madly.
After Julie had disentangled herself from the branches, we set off down the road.
"Hey, maybe we can get some doughnuts, too," Connie said, licking her lips. "Isn't there a doughnut shop beside the7-11?" , "Yeah, they must have had stoners like you two in mind," I giggled.
"Aaaah, yes," Fulton said, his eyes misty with faux nostalgia. "Many a time have we frequented those establishments, satisfying our palates with krullers and Dortios and gummy worms."
"And Snickers and Slurpees and those little plastic sticks with the flavoured power inside them. Oh God, I'm hungry, " I moaned.
"We've been walking forever," Guy groaned. "I had no idea it was this far away."
Just then we turned a corner and spotted the bright sign of the 7-11, and it was all I could do to keep myself from wrapping my arms around it. It was like dying of thirst in the desert, and then coming across an oasis. Inside we loaded ourselves up with junk food of every kind: chocolate and cheezies and penny candy, Slurpees and twinkees and nachos. Fulton insisted we each get a Hostess fruit pie, and he and Portman each bought three.
"You'll know what I mean when you try one, man. They're incredible."
We were just leaving the store with our purchases and were heading for the Dunkin" Donuts next door when a yellow Mustang tore into a parking spot right in front of us and four guys got out. They looked about 18 or 19.
They walked toward us, sizing us up, and Fulton and Portman automatically stepped in front of the rest of us, but they just went on past us, heading for the pub located beside the doughnut shop. When they reached the door, one of them said something to the others and they turned around, looking at Julie.
"You're right," one of them said. "She has got a fine ass."
"Hey, sugar, you want to come for a ride with us?" another one leered.
Fulton headed towards them, but they just laughed and ducked inside. We all stood there for a moment, not talking, then Julie laughed and said, "Hey, come on guys. They're just a couple of pigs. Forget about them and let's go get some doughnuts."
W headed inside and managed with some difficulty to convey our orders to the girl at the counter and were on our way out when Fulton stopped, looking at the Mustang. "Hold up, you guys, I got an idea." His eyes were gleaming. "Portman, can you see those guys in there?" He pointed toward the bar.
Portman peered in the window and nodded. "Yeah, they're sitting in a booth, throwing peanuts at the waitress. Stupid little pricks."
"Alright, stay there and make sure they don't leave, okay?"
"Sure, man. Do you have something good in mind?"
"Oh yeah. Connie, hand me one of those cream-filled doughnuts."
Connie obliged, and Fulton walked over to the driver's side of the Mustang where the window was cracked a couple of inches. He jammed the doughnut through the window and it landed, chocolate side down, on the driver's seat. I was laughing so hard my stomach hurt, but Fulton wasn't satisfied. He picked up a stick that was lying on the ground and threaded it through the window, piercing the doughnut. Then he rubbed it around, smearing chocolate and Boston cream allover the seats.
"There," he said happily. "Let's go."
All the way back, I couldn't stop imagining the looks on those guys' faces when they saw the mess Fulton had made of their upholstery.
"I hope they sit in it!" Guy giggled.
Back at the school, we returned to our grassy area to consume our feast, and I swear food had never tasted so good.
"I can't believe it, these are incredible," Connie said, scarfing three doughnuts in under a minute.
"Fulton, you were right, these fruit pies are awesome," Guy managed between bites.
"Told yah," Fulton grinned, polishing off his second.
"Gross, man, you got crumbs and cherry gunk all over your face. You look like a vampire of a zombie or something."
"Maybe I am." Fulton stood up and staggered towards Portman with his arms stretched out, grabbing him by the shoulders and pretending to bite his neck. It was the funniest thing I'd ever seen.
"Eewww! Portman! Fulton got goop allover your neck!" Adam shrieked. I looked over at him adoringly, and took his hand in mine. He looked back at me and smiled. It had been the perfect evening. Beck was off our case for good, Fulton was finally starting to open his mouth, these fruit pies really were amazing, and I was with Adam. I'd never felt so content. Or so in love.
Gym class was over and Adam and I had just finished getting changed and were waiting for Guy when the trouble started. Beck and two of his friends walked into the change room. He took one look at us, then turned to his buddies and the three of them advanced on us, grinning like sharks.
"Well, well, if it isn't the two little fairies. How you doin', girls?"
I wanted to laugh. His words were right out of a prison movie. The urge left me rather suddenly, however, when I noticed that there was no one else in the room. We were alone with Beck and his goons. This was not good. Adam and I looked at each other nervously.
Just the, Guy walked out of one of the shower stalls, rubbing his hair with a towel. He stopped when he saw Beck and the others and was about to say something when Adam caught his eye and jerked his head toward the door. Guy nodded, and slipped out quietly.
"So girls, what's it gonna be?" Beck menaced, towering over us.
"Well," Adam said quietly. "Given that you've each got at least 50 pounds on us and outnumber us three to one, I'd say it's fairly likely we're going to get our asses kicked."
I couldn't help it. I laughed out loud.
"Oh, you think that's funny, you filthy little faggot?" Beck spat venomously. "Well, let's see if you can laugh your way out of this one. Danny, Robert, grab them."
Danny and Robert, who didn't seem to notice the stale cliches Beck kept churning out, complied. Adam and I fought, but those guys were huge, and it wasn't long before they had our arms pinned behind us in some kind of wrestler's hold so we couldn't move.
"You two are disgusting, you know that? You make me SICK." Beck punctuated this last word with a hard blow to Adam's stomach. Adam tried to double up, but the guy holding him was too strong, so he just stood there, his eyes wide, mouth opening and closing like a fish as he struggled to breathe.
"You asshole! I'll kill you!" I screamed, and I started to struggle madly, kicking and twisting so the guy holding me had to fight to keep his grip. I was almost loose when Beck hit me in the jaw and I went limp, bright star- like images dancing before my eyes.
You really do see stars, I thought dimly. Just like in the movies...Just then the door slammed open and Fulton charged in, followed closely by Portman and Guy. He threw himself at Beck, hitting him in the middle and knocking him to the ground in a classic football tackle.
"What did I tell you, huh? You slimy bastard, what did I tell you?" Fulton was sitting on Beck's chest, shaking him so hard his head flopped back and forth like a rag doll. Portman and Guy came at the guys holding Adam and me, but they let go of us immediately and backed up, both of them casting uneasy glances toward Fulton. He hit Beck twice in the face, splitting his lip with the first blow and bloodying his nose with the second.
"Enough, man, I give up!" Beck cried.
Fulton hauled Beck to his feet and slammed him against the lockers. "You think you're tough, you fucking pussy? This how you get your kicks, jumping kids half your size? You want a fight, you got one! Come on, man, I'm ready!" Fulton backed up and spread his arms in invitation. His eyes were flashing furiously. I'd never seen him like this before, and to tell you the truth, I was a little scared.
Guy took a step forward, as if he was about to get between them, but Portman put a hand on his shoulder and shook his head silently. Beck was holding his nose, which was dripping blood all over the floor. He was looking at Fulton, who was glowering at him, his fists clenched at his side, his muscles taut and ready, and I could tell he was trying to decide if he could take him. Beck had about three inches on Fulton, but not much weight, and you could see he was freaked by Fulton's anger as well.
Finally, Beck raised his bloody hands in the air and backed up a step. "Alright, man, peace." He and his friends started to go but Portman grabbed his shoulder.
"That's two strikes you got now, man. You got off easy on both of 'em. A word of advice: don't go for three." Beck nodded, and the three of them left, noticeably subdued.
"Are you guys alright?" Guy asked in concern, stepping toward us.
"We're fine, thanks to you guys," Adam said, holding his stomach.
"Yeah, thanks, you really saved our asses," I said, rubbing my jaw.
"Come on, we'd better go get some ice for that," Fulton said softly, leading us towards the door. He seemed perfectly normal, as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened, but when I looked closer I noticed he was trembling slightly, and was wearing the same little half-smile he'd had after our first run-in with Beck. He had enjoyed himself.
Back in Fulton and Portman's dorm we all sat down, Adam and I on one bed, Fulton and Portman on the other, while Guy went to get some ice, as well as Connie and Julie. When they got back, Adam and I told them what had happened while Fulton wrapped the ice in a towel and handed it to me.
"Just hold it against your jaw for 10 minutes or so. I know it's cold, but this way it won't swell up like you've got mumps."
"What the hell are mumps, anyway?" Portman wondered.
Fulton looked around, and when no one else answered, he muttered, "Swelling of the salivary glands."
"I just can't believe those pricks came after you again," Connie said angrily. "I wish I had been there just to see the look on Beck's face when Fulton jumped on him."
"Must have felt pretty good to hit him, huh Fulton?" Julie asked. Fulton grinned, and nodded.
"Oh, he liked it alright. Maybe a little too much." Portman said slyly. "Our boy Fulton here's got a real violent streak, don't you, buddy?" Fulton blushed slightly, and looked down at the ground.
"Yeah, but only when they deserve it," Adam put in. "It's the same in hockey. You never hit from behind or anything, and you only go after guys who've just slashed one of us or something."
"Yeah, man, you're like our bodyguard," I said.
"Well, I doubt you'll have to worry about Beck and his friends again. Fulton really put the fear of God into them, but remember to be careful all the same, okay?" Portman smiled, looking at me and Adam. "We really can't afford to lose you guys, you're two of our best scorers."
"We'll be careful,"
"So ,it's Friday night, and we don't have a game till Sunday. You guys want to do something together?" Julie asked.
We all nodded. Nothing like a good gay-bashing to bring people together.
"So, you want to go to a movie or something?" Guy asked.
"Nah, let's just hang out together somewhere. Fulton, since you're the hero of the night, you get to choose. What do you want to do?" Julie asked, looking at Fulton with more than a little admiration in her eyes.
Fulton shrugged, as I knew he would. "I don't know."
"Well, come on, what do you and normally do? You and Portman?" I asked.
Fulton and Portman looked at each other, and grinned. "You guys up for trying something new?" Portman asked. *** "So I guess what I'm trying to say is that time travel is more than just possible, it's something we all come across on a regular basis, though most of us are too blind to recognize it for what it is," Adam finished.
I knew exactly what he meant. "That's incredible, man, I totally get where you're coming from, it's like you put words to these thoughts that I've had in my head for.forever!" I said breathlessly, staring into his beautiful brown eyes in awe and admiration.
"Isn't it amazing that two people can just connect like this, sort of as if they were of..."
"...one mind," we finished together. We stared at each other in utter shock for several long moments, simply marveling at the staggering impact of it all
"Wow," I said finally. "Wow."
Beside us, a few feet away, Guy and Connie collapsed into each other's arms, overcome by fits of hysterical laughter, and even though I didn't know what they were laughing about, I felt I understood them as well. The seven of us were gathered around on the grassy area that surrounded the football field, sprawled under the trees (or, in the case of Julie,Fulton and Portman, climbing them) that ran alongside it. The tree above us suddenly gave a tremble as something heavy hit one of its branches.
"Hee, hee! I'm Tarzan!" Julie giggled. "Aaah-aah-ooah-aaah-ooah!"
"Was that supposed to be Tarzan's jungle cry?" Guy called up. "Because if so, it really needs some work, sweetheart." That set him and Connie off on another laughing fit, and this time Adam and I joined in.
"Hey!" Julie cried down in a voice of great indignation. "that was an awesome jungle cry!"
I heard Fulton and Portman start to laugh as well, and Julie finally gave up and joined in. When we had finally calmed down, everyone gave a great collective sigh, and that started us going again.
"No more, please, no more," Connie cried, holding her stomach. "If I don't get to a bathroom soon, I'm going to pee!"
"Mmmm, bathroom, that makes me think of food," called Portman from up in his tree. "Why don't we head down to the 7-11? Connie can use the bathroom and we can pick up some munchies."
"That's like, the best idea in the history of the world," I said admiringly, and Portman laughed.
"Man, Fulton, we shouldn't have started these good, clean, wholesome kids off on our killer skunk. They're baked out of their fucking heads."
"And you're not, George of the Jungle?" Adam said slyly. "Hey, that was really witty."
"Hey, is this what you and Portman are doing during lunch all the time?" Julie asked.
"Mostly," Fulton said. "So I guess the two of us corrupted you guys, huh?"
"Oh well, it had to happen sooner or later."
"Yeah, I always wanted to be a bed influence. Let's go, "Portman said, jumping down out of the tree. Fulton followed him too quickly and landed half on top of him, and the two of them rolled over together, cackling madly.
After Julie had disentangled herself from the branches, we set off down the road.
"Hey, maybe we can get some doughnuts, too," Connie said, licking her lips. "Isn't there a doughnut shop beside the7-11?" , "Yeah, they must have had stoners like you two in mind," I giggled.
"Aaaah, yes," Fulton said, his eyes misty with faux nostalgia. "Many a time have we frequented those establishments, satisfying our palates with krullers and Dortios and gummy worms."
"And Snickers and Slurpees and those little plastic sticks with the flavoured power inside them. Oh God, I'm hungry, " I moaned.
"We've been walking forever," Guy groaned. "I had no idea it was this far away."
Just then we turned a corner and spotted the bright sign of the 7-11, and it was all I could do to keep myself from wrapping my arms around it. It was like dying of thirst in the desert, and then coming across an oasis. Inside we loaded ourselves up with junk food of every kind: chocolate and cheezies and penny candy, Slurpees and twinkees and nachos. Fulton insisted we each get a Hostess fruit pie, and he and Portman each bought three.
"You'll know what I mean when you try one, man. They're incredible."
We were just leaving the store with our purchases and were heading for the Dunkin" Donuts next door when a yellow Mustang tore into a parking spot right in front of us and four guys got out. They looked about 18 or 19.
They walked toward us, sizing us up, and Fulton and Portman automatically stepped in front of the rest of us, but they just went on past us, heading for the pub located beside the doughnut shop. When they reached the door, one of them said something to the others and they turned around, looking at Julie.
"You're right," one of them said. "She has got a fine ass."
"Hey, sugar, you want to come for a ride with us?" another one leered.
Fulton headed towards them, but they just laughed and ducked inside. We all stood there for a moment, not talking, then Julie laughed and said, "Hey, come on guys. They're just a couple of pigs. Forget about them and let's go get some doughnuts."
W headed inside and managed with some difficulty to convey our orders to the girl at the counter and were on our way out when Fulton stopped, looking at the Mustang. "Hold up, you guys, I got an idea." His eyes were gleaming. "Portman, can you see those guys in there?" He pointed toward the bar.
Portman peered in the window and nodded. "Yeah, they're sitting in a booth, throwing peanuts at the waitress. Stupid little pricks."
"Alright, stay there and make sure they don't leave, okay?"
"Sure, man. Do you have something good in mind?"
"Oh yeah. Connie, hand me one of those cream-filled doughnuts."
Connie obliged, and Fulton walked over to the driver's side of the Mustang where the window was cracked a couple of inches. He jammed the doughnut through the window and it landed, chocolate side down, on the driver's seat. I was laughing so hard my stomach hurt, but Fulton wasn't satisfied. He picked up a stick that was lying on the ground and threaded it through the window, piercing the doughnut. Then he rubbed it around, smearing chocolate and Boston cream allover the seats.
"There," he said happily. "Let's go."
All the way back, I couldn't stop imagining the looks on those guys' faces when they saw the mess Fulton had made of their upholstery.
"I hope they sit in it!" Guy giggled.
Back at the school, we returned to our grassy area to consume our feast, and I swear food had never tasted so good.
"I can't believe it, these are incredible," Connie said, scarfing three doughnuts in under a minute.
"Fulton, you were right, these fruit pies are awesome," Guy managed between bites.
"Told yah," Fulton grinned, polishing off his second.
"Gross, man, you got crumbs and cherry gunk all over your face. You look like a vampire of a zombie or something."
"Maybe I am." Fulton stood up and staggered towards Portman with his arms stretched out, grabbing him by the shoulders and pretending to bite his neck. It was the funniest thing I'd ever seen.
"Eewww! Portman! Fulton got goop allover your neck!" Adam shrieked. I looked over at him adoringly, and took his hand in mine. He looked back at me and smiled. It had been the perfect evening. Beck was off our case for good, Fulton was finally starting to open his mouth, these fruit pies really were amazing, and I was with Adam. I'd never felt so content. Or so in love.