CHAPTER 4: A NEW DEVELOPMENT IN THE STORY!
Newscast of SCLZ Eyewitness News, 6 PM:
"This is Armando Sanchez for SCLZ Eyewitness News. The latest on the search for the killers of Sam Mancini coming up in a moment, but first, in tonight's top story, a pure example of intolerance right here in Sparkyville. A young teen gay couple was turned away from a local diner because of their sexual orientation. We now go live to the scene where our very own Cindy Loveland is standing by. Cindy?"
"Thank you, Armando. J.J.'s diner is the place of protest due to the owner of the diner kicking out and refusing service to a young gay couple. And according to some sources, it hasn't been the first time the owner has done this. Folks are refusing to eat at the establishment after hearing about what had happened. Right now with us is the two boys who made this story possible. With me is 555 95472, and Quentin Sands. Boys, in your own words, can you tell the viewers at home what had happened in J.J.'s diner?"
"Yes, Ms. Loveland. Quentin and I were wanting to try something different while we were enjoying an afternoon date. We figured this place would be a nice, quaint place to eat. But then we knew we were in for some lousy service, as the waitress was rude to us. We never got our food that we ordered. And when we asked about it, we were told that they, in their own words, didn't serve faggots."
"We have been to other places here in Sparkyville, like Joe's Café, the main hangout for us and our friends, Ace's Ice Cream Shop, and even the new coffee place, Java Jive, and we have had impeccable service from all of those places, and we were treated with respect, even with the knowledge that we were gay. But we experience discrimination from this waitress and J.J. himself. Now I don't know if the rest of his staff, besides the waitress who 'waited' on us, shares the same views as him, but if not, we urge you to stand with us. If you're afraid of losing your job, or retribution, we were told by Manpower that you will have a case against the diner."
"Thank you, Mr. Sands and Mr. 95472. Also all of their friends and family are out here joining in the protest and making sure their voices are heard." (Cindy listens into her headphone) "Armando, this just in! My sources tells me that the employees of J.J.'s Diner are quitting in droves. Only J.J. and the waitress the two boys had just talked about remain. I think one of the employees is walking up now. Sir, what's your name?"
"Tre Lamar Holmes"
"Now, Tre, were you one of J.J.'s employees?"
"Yeah, but after seeing how he acted with those two guys, I couldn't stand by and work for a bigoted jackass no more. I have a cousin who's gay, and I have always treated him with respect and love, no matter what! Even if you don't agree with their lifestyle, still give them service! As a black man, I know what it's like to be discriminated against. And even if J.J. wasn't racist, which I don't think he is, he still discriminates, but against gays and lesbians. Oh, and as bad as he is to them, he treats the transgender people even worse. That's all I have to say about him. Thank you."
"Thank you very much, sir. There you have it. J.J.'s employees had just walked out of the diner amidst the protest against the owner. This is Cindy Loveland for SCLZ Eyewitness News. Back to you Armando."
A few days later…
5 and Quentin were walking together at school, when Sally and Eudora, along with Michael and Linus came running up to the couple. Sally had a copy of the Sparkyville Ledger in her hand.
"5! Quentin!" she said, eagerly. "You'll never guess what happened!"
"What is it, Sally?" asked 5.
"J.J.'s Diner has closed up for good!" said Sally, smiling. "Our protest was a success!"
"Also the employees are telling their stories about how they witnessed J.J. and Doris, your waitress friend, had purposely discriminated against all LGBTQ+ folks," added Linus.
"Some of those employees were able to find new jobs around the city," said Eudora.
"Some of them will be working at Joe's, and others at different restaurants," said Michael.
"As for Doris, she pretty much became a persona au gratin!" said Sally.
"It's 'persona non grata', Sally," corrected Linus.
"Whatever," Sally shrugged.
"Well, we didn't want it to come to this," said Quentin, "but J.J. has no one to blame but himself. He was worse than how Broderick used to be."
"What has been going on with him lately?' wondered Eudora.
"He's pretty much laid low since what had happened with him and Ox," said Michael.
"I wonder what will happen to ol' J.J.?" said 5.
On the outskirts of town, J.J. was walking back to his house when he noticed a sign on his door. It read "Eviction Notice". He saw his landlord walking up.
"Duke!" J.J. bellowed. "What's th' meanin' of this?!"
"Just what it says, J.J.," said Duke. "Your gay-bashing ass is out in the cold! You have two weeks to vacate my property! One of my aunts just so happens to be a lesbian. Do YOU hate me for having a lesbian aunt?! Anyway, two weeks, like I said. Have a nice day, dips%$#!" And Duke left to run some errands. J.J. sat on the stoop and buried his head in his arms.
NEXT CHAPTER: FINDING HELP IN THE LAST PLACE TO FIND HELP