Chapter 12. Yippee!

You guys are so AWESOME! I was going to post this Wednesday, like tomorrow, because of a 3.5 day advance (7 reviews). But since you guys are so cool, I'll post a day early.

EMBRACE YOURSELF (sorta)

I'm not sure if I can make this any longer than my previous chapter. Sorry folks :-(

Uh... in this chapter we will see Stan returning to Stark's Pond... should be some fun things to read here.

My myspace is jbd420ct. Add me.
AIM: The French Flip

All my disclaimers have been mentioned in other chapters. And of course, I don't own South Park.

Their happy moment had to fade away eventually. Kyle had straightened himself back into his sitting position, and the two continued their interview. Stan thought the information from the interview to be sufficient, and he began placing texts of information into his paper. Kyle returned to his previous lying position and waited for Stan to finish.

It was around eight thirty when Stan called quits from his computer. He tapped Kyle on his shoulder lightly, and once he had gotten his friend rolling out of bed they made their way downstairs. They found Mr. Marsh watching an Eagles game on television. Stan didn't want to bother his father while he watched the game, but it had been Kyle's only ride home. At first his father refused to bring him home, grumbling about how the game was a once-in-a-lifetime game. It was Mrs. Marsh's intervening that had Mr. Marsh on his feet and ready to go in the end; Stan laughed on how much influential power spouses actually had.

It came as no surprise as to what radio station was playing on the car ride. At one point Stan threatened to turn it off; his father had cheered so drastically from a touchdown that the car had veered sharply to the left, and it was thanks to Stan's reflexes that they weren't crushed by an incoming semi. Throughout the ride Kyle remained quiet, and Stan had wondered whether it had been because he was listening to the game; then again, Kyle didn't like the Eagles very much, nor did he like the 49'ers.

The ride to Kyle's house hadn't been very long. Stan and Kyle said their thanks before walking to the door. Smiles were plastered on their faces, and Kyle was almost skipping to the door. Stan sped up to a jog, which was how a simple walk to a front door led to a foot race. When the two boys reached the door they both leaned against the brick wall and laughed pleasantly. Kyle raised his arm to ring the doorbell, and the two of them waited for the door to be answered.

With the rustling of the doorknob Ike opened the door. He smiled first at his brother, and then at Stan. He stepped behind the door to let his brother in, Kyle taking the invitation and wiping his boots on the welcome mat. Ike had offered Stan to step inside as well, but he kindly refused the offer. His father would be waiting for him to return to the car and make their way back home as soon as possible. Stan turned towards the car as he heard the door shut behind him.

After the car ride home, Stan found his way back upstairs to his room. Stan felt content; he had come to an understanding with Kyle. He smiled as he flopped onto his bed, staring at the ceiling for what seemed like hours. He could work this out with Kyle; he just knew he could.

It wasn't long after he had settled himself comfortably on his bed when he heard the phone ring. Stan gave out a long frustrated groan and shoved a pillow over his face and ears. Stan hadn't realized how much sleep he had been lacking... even after sleeping in that morning. The phone rang several more times, and when Stan thought he was about to go insane his mother had picked it up. Thank goodness.

His peace was only momentary. No sooner had he tried sleeping again his mother's voice echoed through the hallway outside his room. He refused to give in to his mother's summons, and it was only when she rapped against his bedroom door loudly that he decided to give in. As he rubbed his eyes his mother had informed him that it was Kyle on the phone. Stan glanced at the clock, which read 10:30. Kyle was calling at ten thirty?

"Can he call back later?" Stan had proposed when he opened the door. "Like maybe tomorrow? I'm really tired..." His mother told Kyle of his proposal. She had then replied saying that it was an urgent matter, according to Kyle. Stan growled, and took the phone from his mother.

"Do you hate me Stan?" was the first thing he heard. Stan was taken aback; hadn't they just discussed that? Stan tried assuring him that he didn't hate him, and neither did Kenny. And as Kyle kept denying his statements Stan knew that something had happened, and he hoped to find out what.

"My parents found out, Stan," Kyle stuttered. So his parents had told him they knew. Stan remembered their initial reactions back at the hospital, especially Mrs. Broflovski's. By the tone of her voice she was ready to rip Kyle's head off... or maybe blame Canada again. Stan had zoned out before perceiving Mr. Broflovski's reaction, but Stan was ready to bet his life that by the way Kyle was reacting now his father didn't really approve of it either. "They said that I should be ashamed of myself... and that everyone would hate me when they found out..."

"Kyle, stop it," said Stan. "The whole world isn't mad at you. In fact, I don't think that many people are. I'm sure Cartman is, but that's probably just because it's you. Craig might be the only other one that truly hates you."

"How about the people who beat me up?"

"What about them? I wasn't there... I don't know who beat you up except maybe Cartman, or why, or anything of that sort." Saying this made Stan think afterwards. Had the guidance counselor known the reason for Kyle's attack? Why had she taken initiative in telling his parents? Maybe the fight had something to do with him being gay? But hadn't that been what Kenny had told him?

"Cartman, Craig, and Token," muttered Kyle. "I don't see why they have to hate me so much."

"Kyle, stop," said Stan, and he took a seat on his bed. "They were probably convinced by Cartman that being gay was a horrible thing to be. Remember his view on ginger kids? The whole world doesn't hate you. Kenny doesn't hate you. Ike probably doesn't hate you. I don't hate you."

"But Ike doesn't even know!" snapped Kyle, answering Stan's previous questions. "And my parents hate me for it, Stan. My parents! If they are to hate me what foundation can I build on? If I'm not supported at home how am I going to build my life and feel accepted? So what you and Kenny don't hate me. But it's not like you can't support me in any way more than a complete stranger could."

"You've changed the subject," said Stan switching the phone to his left ear. "Your argument was that the world hates you. Now you're just talking about your parents..." Stan heard him sigh from the other end of the phone.

"There's just no one to help me, Stan," said Kyle. "I declare my sexuality, and suddenly my whole view on the world changes. Something I thought to be minor turns up to be a deciding factor on who is my friend and who isn't. It seems... unfair. Wrong."

"Kyle... just remember, you always have me, okay?" Stan heard no response, save a few stifling of tears. Stan supposed that he had nodded, because he was able to mutter an okay after some time. "I need to go to sleep though... we'll talk about it another time, okay?"

"Okay Stan... thanks." Stan wanted to say something else, but he couldn't seem to think of what else he might include to make Kyle feel better. He muttered a goodbye before hanging up the phone, and he threw his phone onto his desk before collapsing on his bed.

- - - - - - - - - -

The next day began as a normal day for Stan. His family had gone to church, as they did every Sunday. He listened to the priest's sermon, which was not that interesting. Stan had always wished since he was a child that he would have a more interesting priest; this didn't end up happening. Towards the end, like every other mass service, he went up to receive communion. Upon returning to his seat he kneeled in the pews and prayed. This was all normal routine for the typical Catholic.

That day he had decided to ask God about homosexuality. Of course, Stan still remembered the letter he had sent to him not a week ago; he took this as an opportunity to remind him of his plaguing questions. Like before, Stan didn't expect God to answer him right away. A Goth kid had once asked him if God truly existed, and though Stan answered confidently that he did, sometimes Stan had to wonder. But if Jesus lived in their neighborhood then he must exist, right?

It was honestly a matter of faith. Scientific research may constantly disprove the Catholic theory of Adam and Eve as the first male and female to exist, and if one didn't have any faith in their religion then what was to become of that person? He would be swayed by culture and news, as a plant ripped from its roots. Faith was the glue that stuck a person to his religion. Without faith religion would not thrive.

The moments after mass were different from the typically described Sunday. Cartman had gone off with Stan and Kenny as they usually did, and Stan had to question what were the true motives behind his ANTIGSA club. Was he only around Kenny and himself because Kyle was not present with them?

Stan decided not to converse with him, and by the looks of it Kenny had done the same. Stan had remembered the last time that they had ignored Cartman; he had gone into a fit thinking that he was dead, and since he had not gone to heaven he must've done something wrong. The whole ordeal ended with him 'proving' himself worthy of friendship, and a very unhappy Butters.

Cartman began talking about his notorious club, and Stan was sure that he was doing it on purpose. From what Stan picked up, there was going to be an after school meeting on Monday, where they would discuss how homosexuals were destroying moral values and the family unit. He had even asked Stan and Kenny to come, and Stan had vehemently declined the offer. Kenny replied a mere no, being a tad nicer to the Hitler reincarnate.

Once Cartman had declared the two too lame to hang out with ("Screw you guys; I'm going home...") Stan and Kenny began to talk. Kenny invited Stan to go skating with him later that day, and Stan had accepted. Kenny informed him that he had invited Kyle as well, and that he hadn't been sure at the time. So Kyle's presence there was unknown.

Soon they parted ways, and Stan returned home with the rest of his family. He was lying on his bed, and was thinking of the skating event scheduled for later that day. Where it had all started... it had been how the ordeal began. A part of him wished that Kyle never told him... maybe they would've avoided all these awkward situations that they were having... but then, it was their disputes and their fights that brought them closer as friends.

Stan was still angry with Cartman and his club. Stan had the biggest gut instinct that Cartman was doing it all to piss Kyle off. Stan knew that his plan wasn't working, or at least as he had wanted it to; his plan was making Kyle depressed, and to Stan that had been an even bigger accomplishment. All it took was for him to make a anti-Jewish club, which he was positive that the school administration would never pass, and Kyle would probably kill himself.

Suicide... it was definitely something that Stan had never thought of. Was his friend thinking of those thoughts? He definitely hoped not, and as he reflected upon the situation he was assured that suicide was not on Kyle's mind. Extremely worried, yes. Extremely confused, perhaps. But not suicidal.

Stan wasn't sure how much time was passing while he laid in bed thinking of his life and of those around him. His mother hadn't called him down for lunch yet, and though it seemed like he was in bed forever time had obviously not gone fast enough to waste away the day. Stan didn't want to lie in bed forever, but he didn't want to do anything either. He tried to find a state between the two but he failed.

Seconds passed into minutes, and minutes into hours. Stan remembered hearing many voices around him, but he chose not to listen to them. He heard his dad's voice come and go, and the same with his mother's. Stan's stomach growled from the lack of food, which he chose to ignore.

After what seemed like eternity he finally decided to leave his resting position, and began to dress himself. It was probably going to be cold while they were there, so Stan took a scarf and wrapped it snugly around his mouth and neck. He took his driest sweater he could find, and after pulling snowpants up to his waist he fitted himself with a toque.

He found his skates in the laundry room beside the washing machine. Stan quickly packed them into a duffel-like bag, grabbed some food from the pantry, and hastened out the door. Thankfully enough Stark's Pond wasn't too far, or else he would have to convince his father into missing another football team; Mr. Marsh wasn't too keen on missing out on a Broncos game.

He immediately saw Kenny when he reached the pond. He was already equipped in his skates, and he was also wearing his ridiculous parka. Stan said his greeting before sitting on the white layer of snow to put on his skates. Stan did his best to hasten in his actions, and Kenny was fairly patient with him. Once Stan was properly equipped the two set onto the ice; there was only one other person present, and neither Kenny nor Stan knew him.

"Mmph mmmph," said Kenny. Stan noticed that Kenny had a slight tendency to speed up for several seconds, and then stop pushing forward and let his remaining speed carry him around for some time. Stan was more into skating constantly, each push with his feet light and soft enough to keep him going without making him fatigued.

"Things have been fine," muttered Stan. "Yesterday Kyle called me though. He seemed really worried..." Stan heard Kenny sigh.

"Stan there's something I need to tell you," said Kenny. Stan nodded understandingly, urging Kenny to continue. "Well, because of Kyle's little... incident, I've kinda gotten close to Ike over the past few days. I figured that Ike needed the emotional support, especially since he was questioning himself. We grew as really close friends, despite the fact that he's six years younger than me or so. Of course, you guys are still my best buddies.

"But anyways, last night he called me at my house. I'm not sure how he knew that I had a phone in my house; maybe Kyle had told him my number. But anyways, Ike was telling me how depressed Kyle was from the conversation with his parents that Ike had overheard. I'm sure it was making him feel bad too. He was saying how he wished his brother were happier and stuff, and how his parents shouldn't care what sexuality Kyle is as long as he's happy. Then he kept asking me if I knew how to make him happy.

"I don't know what I was thinking, Stan... but when he asked me the question, I... told Kyle to get on the phone. I don't know, Stan... I was feeling sorry for him maybe, but... when he got on the phone, I..."

"Go on," said Stan encouragingly.

"I... asked him on a date." There were many ways to explain the situation after that. Perhaps it could be described as a lone figure watching waves crash onto the sandy shores, wondering why waves came in tides, how the sand dealt with each wave of salty water. Maybe it could be better described as watching water flush down the sink after the drain is unplugged, watching why the water forms an underwater tornado as it goes down. Maybe watching a rainbow after a rainstorm was the better analogy; wondering what exactly caused so many beautiful shades of color to appear in the sky. Even a magnetic force analogy was sufficient; experimenting and questioning why two similar ends repelled each other.

Any one of these analogies seemed to correctly express the feelings Stan felt. He was listening to Kenny talking about his date with Kyle, where he had learned that Kyle accepted, and felt a knot in his stomach. He wasn't entirely sure why he felt it, and he would stop to figure out why if he hadn't still been skating around the pond with one of his best friends. Kenny's motives for inviting Stan to skate with him were now clear, yet he still didn't see why Kenny had to tell him, nor why he was feeling awkward about it. Him trying to explain the knot in his stomach was much like trying to figure out why same poles compel each other, why rainbows appear, why water cyclones appear in sinks, or why waves and tides existed.

"I hope this doesn't bother you," said Kenny, taking Stan aback.

"Why should it bother me?" asked Stan. He knew Kenny's answer though; he had been saying it every time Kenny brought the idea up.

"Well..." began Kenny, "you were acting all worried about Kyle at first, kind of like over-obsessing. As if you cared for him."

"Kenny, how many times do I have to tell you? Just because I care for a friend doesn't mean I like him!"

"Whatever Stan," Kenny said, and Stan believed that it was almost becoming cliche. But yet as they continued to skate for the rest of the evening Stan couldn't help remembering what Ms. Sagisak had mentioned to him regarding Kenny. And though Stan was happy for Kyle for finding someone to seek comfort in he still felt a stabbing pain in his heart.

Was it jealousy? Maybe he was in love.

But Stan would never know.

Zomgz, uhm. Yeah. I don't even think my proofreader knew about this chapter ending ahead of time. There's a lot more ahead for the boys... so I'm sure you'd love to review!