"The future is for those who believe in the beauty of their dreams"
One Life
Ryan Keith
Part 6 - The Gift of Tomorrow
Buttoning the cuffs of the shirt, Tyler looked up at his reflection. He stood before the mirror but couldn't recognize the well-dressed man standing in front of him. Green eyes met green eyes, and a knowing smile spread across his face as he realized he fit the tuxedo well. It was perfect.
"Hon," a motherly voice called out, "how does it fit? Do you like it? We have five more out here for you to try."
Tyler looked at the dressing room curtain and made his move toward it.
"We have lots more to try, Tyler, so don't be troubled if one or two don't…" The woman stopped midway in her sentence as she turned to see a well-dressed young man walk towards her.
"What do you think, Mrs. Stafford?" Tyler asked, looking around his back to make sure the jacket hung smoothly. "Fits like a glove, huh?"
"Oh, dear, you were made for that tuxedo. My son is so lucky to have caught you!" Mrs. Stafford smiled as her eyes teared up.
Tyler looked to the floor, his eyes wandering restlessly as he tried to form his words carefully. "Thank you, but the truth is, I'm the one who should be grateful. Jaylin means so much to me, but I don't understand why I deserve him."
Mrs. Stafford looked as if she were offended. "Oh, stop this right now! You were meant for my son and he was meant for you," she said gently but firmly. "I see the way he is around you, and I wish he could have found you sooner." Her features softened to a smile. "He's changed so much since you came into his life. He's much more happy and strong. I sometimes used to get the feeling he forced himself to be happy around others." She took hold of Tyler's two hands. "When he's around you he's as natural as the wind, and his smile is like the rays of the sun. Thank you, Tyler. Thank you so much. You freed my son."
Embarrassed by her praise, Tyler reddened a bit before giving Mrs. Stafford a hug, which she accepted.
"I hope your mother doesn't have too much trouble dealing with Jaylin. He can be a picky dresser," Mrs. Stafford worried.
Tyler chuckled.
*************
"No! That will not do at all." The woman shook her head, annoyed.
Jaylin sighed and rolled his eyes before trying another approach. "Mrs. Morton…"
"It's Janice… Call me Jane."
"Umm… Jane, I don't really think it's important to buy me an expensive suit. I'm only going to wear it like once, right? I mean…"
"You get your butt in there, mister, and try on that suit. That cheap shit idea of yours will not do!" the woman said angrily, crossing her arms. She raised an eyebrow as if she expected him to object.
The timid sales lady looked afraid to speak. She stood meekly near the entrance of the change room. It was her job to comment on suits the customers chose, but she didn't think it applied to a situation like this.
Jaylin walked back into the change room to disrobe. As he unbuttoned the shirt, he stared at the suit Tyler's mom had picked for him. He really didn't want her to spend so much on just a suit. He understood that Tyler's family was tight on money, but she had insisted she buy his suit.
Well, at least I know where Tyler gets his wild side. Jaylin laughed inwardly. He did one final turn to make sure the tux was in order before stepping out.
"Well?"
Tyler's mom breathed out before walking around him to make sure it fit. "It will do. For heaven's sake, Jaylin, can't you do the bow tie properly?"
She grabbed the tie that was around Jaylin's neck and roughly tugged at it. Jaylin stood helpless under her rough hands.
Compared to his mom, Mrs. Morton was a tough woman. His mother was always kind, but Tyler's mom was the straight-to-the-point, no-fucking-around type of woman.
As she finished the tie, she pulled down hard, causing Jaylin to lean his head forward. "Okay, you listen to me, you little shit," she said calmly. "You don't deserve my son, but he says he loves you. I'll give you one chance. I knew jocks like you when I was in high school, and if you think…" She caught herself midway, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. "If you hurt him, you make him cry, you do anything to my baby, I will make your life a living hell. You hear me?"
Jaylin came to the conclusion that to be married to a man like Mr. Morton you would have to be as tough as Tyler's mom. He was more scared of her than he was of her husband. Jaylin knew it would kill him if he ever hurt his Tyler.
"Ma'am, the day I hurt your son intentionally will be the day I will disembowel myself at your feet…" Jaylin tried smiling that smile that everyone loved. He knew if he could charm her, she might be less protective of her son. "I love Tyler, and I will never ever hurt him."
Mrs. Morton stared at him for a moment longer before standing straight with her head high. "I will give you only once chance. I expect a written copy of that vow."
She turned away, leaving a jaw-dropped Jaylin.
Wait… She's not serious, is she?
A voice that sounded like heaven called out, "Mom? Jaylin? You guys almost ready?"
"Tyler, dear, we'll be out in just a few. Make sure to thank Mrs. Stafford, okay? Make sure you help her with everything." Mrs. Morton's voice and tone changed at the blink of an eye. Jaylin was shocked to see the switch in personality.
Multiple personalities? Jaylin wondered.
Mrs. Morton turned to him, causing him to tense up. "You don't mention any of this to my son, or I'll have your head!"
Jaylin ducked into the change room as fast as he could. He wondered if Tyler knew the woman who gave birth to him the way he knew her.
The mothers took one car while Jaylin and Tyler took another. They agreed to meet at a restaurant for dinner with the rest of the family.
Tyler let out a sigh as he stared out the window. Jaylin looked painfully at him, understanding his pain a bit. His father had completely cut their relationship. Tyler was proud his mom accepted his relationship with Jaylin, but it hurt him that his father had shunned him out of his life.
"It'll be okay, babe. I'll be the only man you'll need in your life. You don't need him," Jaylin said calmly as he gripped the wheel tightly.
Tyler looked at him and smiled. "I was thinking about that, but also how unbelievable this is. You saw how Sam and Dave reacted when we told them. You would have thought they were the ones getting married."
Jaylin chuckled at his boyfriend and took a turn onto another road.
"It was kinda weird how everyone suddenly found out, Jayse," Tyler said. "All my engineer friends knew and wanted to be invited, then everyone on residence. Who told them?" Tyler sounded a bit angry.
Tyler and Jaylin were gay, but they didn't want to flaunt it.
"Well, first, there's Sam. We know how excited she can get. Dave would say things too, just for the sake of saying them. And let's not forget Jem and Lindsey. The moment we told them they practically brought out the city phonebook."
"I love those two," Tyler laughed. "There isn't one moment they aren't up to something. Watching them fight is great. I can't believe I actually hated Jem when I first met him. He turned out to be a pretty cool guy."
"I know what you mean," Jaylin said. "I guess I was a bit put off by the sparkles and the voice."
"Oh, come on, he wouldn't be Jem without the sparkles."
They turned to each other and laughed.
"That Alex guy has worked wonders on him, though," Jaylin commented. "Who knew all he needed was to get laid."
"Hey, that's my roommate you're bashing," Tyler said playfully. "I'm just glad Alex had a single room. I really wouldn't have wanted to walk in on anything."
"That would be hilarious. Imagine if Jem and Lindsey walked in on us just one time. I don't think I'd ever live it down."
Tyler laughed nervously. Jem and Lindsey had walked in a few times, but Jem was usually the one who walked in first. At those times Tyler had shot up from his bed while Jaylin lay asleep.
"It doesn't bother you that we're out, does it?" Jaylin asked.
"Hell no. We're getting married; I don't care if everyone knows. I just don't like all the attention."
"You love it, buddy, so don't deny it," Jaylin teased.
Tyler playfully punched Jaylin's arm.
Most people had discovered about Jaylin and Tyler's hookup, but no one said anything harsh, to their faces, anyways. Within a week after the cottage trip, most of the people they knew had found out. It placed them in an embarrassing situation, but they had gotten used to it over the few months. Their wedding date was in early July, one week away.
"It's embarrassing, though. The girls at residence were happy but disappointed. I feel sorry for them," Tyler said.
"Buddy, you're gay. Why would you feel sorry? You won't even see them again. I doubt many of them will have your courses next year. They'll forget you in no time. And don't look at me like that. You couldn't get it up for them even if they dressed in jock clothes."
"Well, maybe if you had worn them first I would."
Jaylin turned and smiled at his husband-to-be. "Oh, God, I love you."
"I hope you do. He played a vital role in hooking us up," Tyler said.
It took a moment for Jaylin to catch what he had said, but he let out a roar when he got it.
"Did I tell you that Dave wanted to throw me a bachelor party? Then he realized that since you're also a guy, and it wouldn't be a bachelor party unless the stripper was male. I guess Dave couldn't handle that.”
Tyler laughed so hard he began coughing. Seeing his love in pure joy put a smile on Jaylin's face.
"Gay weddings are a new thing. We need to figure out a ritual for friends. It's not fair that straight people have bachelor parties and we don't," Tyler said casually.
"I'm glad we can marry at all. It's a new thing in Canada. Not only that, but one of my dad's friends is a priest and he asked him to marry us. He was more than happy to. The church would freak if they found out. Babe, this is going to be a full-bloom wedding, bouquet and all," the larger boy gleamed with pride. They were rather lucky. The priest friend was able to organize a date fairly quickly and behind the church's back. It wouldn't be something that the church recognized officially, but their family, friends, and God would witness it.
Tyler made a sigh that sounded like he was seriously considering something.
"What's up, babe?"
"Two things," Tyler said, opening the window to let the wind in. "Can I take your last name? I really don't want the Morton name anymore. You know my mom moved out to her sister's when she found out what my father said to me. I talked with her afterwards and ended up telling her everything he did to me since I was a kid. She wanted to press charges, but I told her not to bother."
"Yeah, my mom told me when she talked to her on the phone. It might be better that way. And sure, you can be a Stafford. You're good looking enough, I guess."
Tyler punched his arm playfully and Jaylin whined like it hurt.
"And don't worry about your mom. She's a real tough woman. Something tells me she's a lot more frightening than your dad."
"Mom? Hell no. She's the most gentle, loving and peaceful mother I know. What made you think she's tough?"
Jaylin suddenly remembered Mrs. Morton's words. "You don't mention any of this to my son, or I'll have your head!"
For some reason, Jaylin's knuckles whitened as he dropped the idea of telling Tyler about his conversation with Mrs. Morton.
"She seems like a strong woman. Anyways, what's the other thing you wanted to ask?" Jaylin said, trying to steer the conversation in a different direction.
"Oh yeah," Tyler chuckled. He turned to his love and asked playfully, "Who gets to throw the bouquet?"
"Wow! Shit, man," Dave said excitedly. "It's a full wedding and all, right? Church and all?"
Jaylin and Tyler nodded. The group of friends sat around at a bar and grill to just relax. The semester was more than a two months done, and everyone was preparing for the big day. The Stafford wedding. Jem, Jem's boyfriend Alex, Lindsey, Sam, Dave, Tyler, and Jaylin sat around a large round table so that everyone was facing each other.
"Dude, I forgot to ask you a long time ago, but…well, here it goes," Jaylin said to Dave. "Want to be the best man?"
"Fuck, man! I'll be the ultimate best dude," Dave yelled with excitement. He stood up on his seat and shouted loudly, "My best friend's getting married! I'm the best man!"
Everyone turned to him and cheered while the circle of friends laughed at his slightly intoxicated state.
"Jem, I want you to be my best man," Tyler said to his roommate.
Jem nodded with joy, but his boyfriend joked, "Don't you mean 'best woman'?"
That caused everyone to start laughing again as Jem playfully slapped Alex.
Jem and Alex had started hanging around Tyler and Jaylin a lot more after they had been told about the wedding. They both liked Alex. He wasn't as muscled as Jaylin, and there was definitely some excess weight on the young man, but Jem seemed to find him attractive, and vice versa. Apparently, effeminate guys like Jem attracted Alex. Jaylin and Tyler had heard him say it felt like he was dating a girl with the best parts of a man. Alex enjoyed showering Jem with gifts, and Jem was eager to accept them. Behind all of that, there was love.
"Wait, what the fuck does that make Sam and me?" Lindsey asked, annoyed.
Lindsey and Sam had become close friends after everything had come to light. Lindsey confessed to Sam that she had tried to seduce Dave earlier in the year. That started a whole new friendship between them.
Sam looked like the thought had just occurred to her, her face slightly red from the alcohol. "She's right! I was Jaylin's best friend way before Dave." She turned to her boyfriend and sneered. "You bitch!" Everyone laughed as Dave looked like he was being scolded.
"I guess they can be the maidens of honour," Tyler suggested.
"Why not? There's never been a gay wedding ritual made, so let's do whatever we want. Each groom gets one best man, and one maiden of honour," Jaylin finalized.
The friends raised their glasses in agreement. It was the first time Tyler and Dave actually saw Jaylin drink. Dave was slightly disappointed his jock friend chose a "bitch drink" as he called it. Jaylin said he enjoyed the crisp taste of Smirnoff Ice.
Jaylin stared out the window of the taxi. Tyler was asleep on his shoulder. He gently kissed the boy and felt him move slightly. Sam, Dave, Jaylin, and Tyler had taken the taxi because they had been drinking. Dave was staying at Sam's house, and Jaylin prayed he kept his act together in front of her parents, for his sake. Surprisingly enough, Jem and Lindsey had relatives in Jaylin's hometown and decided to stay there, along with Alex. Tyler's mom was staying at the Stafford residence, and Jaylin hoped the woman was already asleep. He was afraid of what she would do if he brought her son home drunk.
Probably gouge my eye out with a rusty spoon.
Getting Tyler into the house was a challenge and a half. The boy wouldn't get up from the car, so Jaylin had to carry him on his back. When they were finally inside, he had to talk to Tyler silently so he wouldn't start shouting like Dave and Jem had done at the bar. Then he saw the stairs. When the two finally got to the top, Jaylin noticed a light from under his parents' bedroom door. He figured they were still awake.
After Jaylin put Tyler in his bed, he changed to sweats and a shirt and went to the kitchen to get some water. Tyler sometimes woke up thirsty and Jaylin didn't want him to have to go downstairs in the middle of the night.
When he got to the kitchen he was surprised to find a dim light. His parents were sitting outside on the patio.
"Hey, Mom, Dad," Jaylin said, making his presence known.
His mother turned to him with a smile. "Hey, Jayse, come sit here with your mum and dad."
"Sure."
He took a seat beside his dad as the three of them stared into the night sky. It was quite beautiful out; the stars were in full view. Jaylin loved the stars. At a young age he had thought they were angels, and that was the reason he had become interested in space.
"Did you guys have a great night out?" his dad asked.
"Yeah, we all went drinking." He saw his parents looking at him thoughtfully. "We took taxis back, and Dave, Tyler, and his roommate Jem were the only real ones drunk. I just have a slight buzz." He didn't mention Sam and Lindsey, not wanting to ruin the perfect image Sam maintained in front of his parents.
He watched his father turn to his mother. "Remember when I used to sneak alcohol into your dorm?"
His mother giggled delightedly. "You were such a bad influence. My roommates were scared for me but they did agree you were quite the stud.
Jaylin shook the thought out of his head. It was hard to believe that at some point his parents had been young.
"We married a few years older than Jaylin," his dad said.
"Really?"
"Oh yes, your dad and I married in our final year. Our parents were furious, but when we got together with them for dinner they acted like long-lost friends by the end of the night," Mrs. Stafford reminisced. "They approved quite strongly, afterwards."
"So, you guys aren't too angry that Tyler and I decided to jump ahead of ourselves?"
"Of course not, honey," his mother said, touching his hand. "I'm happy for both of you. It's not like you guys can have children, but I think you're smart enough to know not to adopt until you're done with school and have jobs."
"So, unless one of you gets pregnant all of a sudden, we have no objection to your marrying Tyler. And Mrs. Morton is quite proud her son will be getting the love he deserves," said his dad. "But I think you're the lucky one. Someone like Tyler is hard to find."
"You guys have no idea," Jaylin said, smiling.
"Don't go into details, dear. I'm forty-five," his mother said quietly as she took a sip of her tea.
Both Jaylin and his dad laughed at his mother's mild joke.
"So what are you guys doing still up?"
"Well, your mom had a sudden craving to see stars…"
"And I have satisfied that craving," his mom said, getting up. "Don't stay up too late, boys."
Jaylin and his father chuckled as she walked inside. Alone, the two just stared at the stars.
"Dad?"
"Yeah, Jayse?"
"You're not disappointed I'm gay, are you?"
Jaylin's father let out a sigh. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't. I always thought my children would have children of their own one day. But now, when I see you with Tyler and see how happy you two are, I feel proud that you are who you are. I also realize you can adopt, and those children will be my grandchildren and I will love them."
Jaylin looked away, emotion building inside him.
"Jaylin, I told you this before; you will never disappoint me. All your failures, all your successes, I am proud of them all. And I know you and Tyler have a happy future together. I really like the boy. He sure knows a lot about business for an engineering major."
"Dad, don't," Jaylin said, smiling.
"What?"
"You can't give him your company."
"And why not? My children don't seem to be interested at all in it," his dad mocked.
"Well, maybe Leah will be interested someday."
"I hope so. I don't know what to do with it if she doesn't want it," he replied.
"It could sell pretty well, don't you think?" Jaylin joked.
"Yeah, it could, but you wouldn't sell your own father's life, would you? His hard work, his sweat and blood." Mr. Stafford held the same joking tone as Jaylin.
"Maybe."
"Asshole."
The two sat in silence for a while.
"So, Saturday is the big day, huh?"
"Yeah, everything's set. Thanks again for doing this for us."
"Son, I've made it clear since you were a kid that I want to pay fully for all my children's weddings. That includes gay ones."
Jaylin couldn't resist laughing.
"So, what are the plans after the wedding?" his dad asked.
"Well, Tyler and I take off to Hawaii for a good two weeks. Can you believe Ty has never taken a plane before?"
"A lot of people haven't, son, but I was talking about living and school."
"Oh… Well, I think Sam, Dave, Jem, Ty and I are going to find a house near the university. The ones that have like four or five bedrooms? We found some places that will be fairly cheap if we split the costs."
"Don't be afraid to dip into your investment funds. They're there for a reason. You're old enough to open them now. Does Tyler know about them?"
"Well, we've never talked about it, but money has never been a problem for us so far."
"At least you know he isn't marrying you for the money," Mr. Stafford joked.
"No, he's in it for my skills in bed," Jaylin said arrogantly.
His father let out a howl of a laugh, which got Jaylin going as well.
"Just don't let him hear you say that. You wouldn't believe what your mother used to do to me," his dad said, wiping a stray tear from his eye.
Jaylin cupped his mouth with shock. "No… she didn't… a week sex ban?"
"It was more than that, sometimes," his father commented as Jaylin shook his head with disgust. "But yeah, she wouldn't let it get over my head. I was a bull grabbed by the horns."
"Wow, it's like I'm marrying a male version of Mom."
His dad slapped his thigh like that was the funniest thing he had ever heard. "Maybe we Staffords are attracted to the dominating type."
"Yeah, Mom was never in it for the money, right?"
"It never crossed my mind. I trust her too much. But be sure to tell Tyler, though. He might be hurt if you delay too long and tell him in the future. Your spouse should know you inside and out," his dad said, getting up.
"Like mom?"
"Exactly. Let's get some sleep. We have some final preparations to do before the wedding."
*************
The wedding day began with a beautiful morning. The two lay in bed lazily as they heard the birds chirping. Jaylin held his Tyler in his arms as they took in God's gift. Both were on the edge. They wanted to make their honeymoon special, so they were quite hungry for each other.
The banging on Jaylin's door had them up in no time.
"Come on, you studs, today's the day," Dwayne called through the door. "Everyone's having breakfast out back."
They both turned to the digital clock, which read 6:30. Their wedding would be early, at 11:00 AM, so they figured the household had been up since 5:00.
The wedding breakfast with guests was a large buffet prepared by Dwayne and his mother.
Within an hour, Jaylin and Tyler had been fed and chased upstairs. They took separate showers and were dressed in separate rooms. Tyler's mother tended to her son while Mrs. Stafford saw her own to perfection.
"Mom," Tyler said hesitantly, "what about dad?"
"What about the old fool?" his mother inquired as she nitpicked his suit.
"Well, what's going to happen between you guys?"
"We're getting a divorce. Don't blame yourself. I've been thinking about it for a very long time," she said, smiling at her son's reflection in the mirror.
"Divorce?"
"Yeah, I wanted to so long ago, but I wanted you to be raised in a good environment. I didn't know what might happen to you if you were raised without a father. I think it would have been better if I had dumped him years ago." A tear fell from her eye. "Instead, I was too busy to see anything. I was so blind, Tyler. It's all right if you're angry with me. You have reason to be. You shouldn't have had to deal with things like that. Your father…that man is very disturbed. My marriage ended long ago, after you were just born."
"Don't blame yourself, Mom. I'm glad you stayed with him for so long," Tyler said, trying to cheer her up. "Think about it. If we'd left him long ago, I'd never have made the decision to go to university. I'd have stayed home and commuted to some school near us. I would have never met Jaylin. I'd go through it all again just to know I would end up with Jaylin."
"He is a fine man." His mother smiled, wiping her tear. "I think he'll make you real happy. I wish I had your sense when it comes to choosing men. I always thought I could change your father, but he's a lost cause."
"You really mean that? You like Jaylin?" Tyler asked.
His mother raised an eyebrow. "Why, did he say anything about me?"
"No, of course not!" Tyler took note of how his mother's eyes seemed so piercing. "Its just that usually the mother of an only child has the hardest time letting go of her son. I thought…"
"That I had some sort of mother-son complex?" His mother smiled.
"Well, not really, it's just…"
"I'm glad you are marrying Jaylin. I believe he'll treat you right. I feel it in my heart." She hugged her son gently as they both stared into the mirror.
"I really love him, Mom."
"I know you do. Just tell me if he ever hurts you or makes you sad. I'll set him straight."
Tyler looked at his mom in the mirror and wondered who the woman was. There was a twinkle in her eye. She seemed more headstrong than the woman he had grown up knowing. He wondered if her decision to divorce his father had changed her. He was happy.
As the time crept forward, the boys were driven to the church in separate cars. Jaylin and Tyler just took things in stride, not caring that everyone was being pushy and excited. They had a reason to be.
By 10:30 the church pews were packed with friends, family, and students. Quite a few had never met Jaylin and Tyler, but they knew it was a gay wedding, and as members of the university's Gay-Straight Pride group, they found it obligatory to be there. Of course, the real talk was how great the two looked together. Tyler was surprised to discover his relatives on his mother's side had come to congratulate him. Tyler's father was a single child, so Tyler never met a relative on his father's side. He didn't see his father. He was sad, but at the same time happy, the man hadn't shown up.
The church was stunning. The choir and organ player were on the platform above the church entrance. The rows of pews were decorated in white and light blue, flowers showered the carpet, and three little girls holding baskets of flower petals stood at the altar. There were exits on both sides that led to the altar. Jaylin and Tyler waited nervously at each end. Behind each groom were his designated maiden of honour and his best man, each pair trying to set their groom straight, each with broad smiles for this most important day for their friends.
The priest made his entrance as a blanket of silence enveloped the crowd. Then the organ player started with the opening wedding piece.
"This is it, dude," Dave whispered to Jaylin. "As your best man, it is my duty to say this. If you go through with this, Tyler's… well… ass, will be the last one you ever fuck. Think about it, man," the boy said seriously.
Shaking her head, Sam smacked Dave on the side of the head. "You idiot, be serious for a moment."
Jaylin laughed before taking a step forward. "Don't worry, Dave, Ty is the first and the last. There will be no other."
No words needed to be exchanged. His friends smiled proudly as they followed Jaylin.
"You don't know how jealous I am right now, Ty," Jem whispered. "This is a dream come true for you. I still can't believe Jaylin is gay, though. Sucks I never stood a chance against you."
"Quit kidding, stud. If I hadn't stolen him first, you wouldn't have Alex, remember?"
"I always knew he was gay," Lindsey said proudly, as the two turned to her. "What? I did! The moment he stepped out of the shower with that rainbow-coloured towel, I knew he was a fruit."
The three laughed happily before they took the first step forward.
"You guys have no idea," Tyler grinned.
"Actually, I do!" Jem said. "Remember, I walked in on you guys one time? Too bad it was already over and I only got a small peak."
Tyler immediately turned red.
"No way! How big are they?" Lindsey said excitedly.
"Oh my God, you should have seen them! I was in heaven. I mean, Jaylin was…"
"Guys! It's my wedding!" Tyler complained.
The two continued to laugh at Tyler's discomfort.
As Jaylin and Tyler stepped towards each other, they felt each other's heartbeat. So badly they wanted to just reach out and take their love in their arms. Instead, they opted for the old-fashioned, hand-holding greeting. Staring into each other's eyes, they became lost in the moment and the church disappeared from around them.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered on this special day to welcome Jaylin Stafford and Tyler Morton into the family and house of God…" The rest of the words faded as the two just stared into each other's eyes. Moments stretched on forever.
As the priest mentioned the importance of marriage and its significance to every family, gay or straight, neither Tyler nor Jaylin released the other's gaze.
"There's always a benefit to asking a priest you know to marry a couple. Sometimes a couple asks to say their own vows. I very much encourage this, for it is by their words they are bound. Tyler, if you will." Murmurs rose from the crowd as some very happy and envious people watched the love in front of them unfold.
Jaylin squeezed his lover's hand a bit as if conveying his love for Tyler.
Tyler smiled and kept his gaze focused on Jaylin.
"Jaylin, I never met anyone I could say I really liked, before I met you. There was no one for me before you. I am blessed to have you in my life. I was nothing, before, but you have made me proud of who I am; what I am. For the rest of my life I will love you, and only you. I could recite every metaphor a poet has ever written, and still it would not describe my love for you. You are Jaylin Stafford, the one I will stand by, the one who brings me joy, and the one I will love. You are forever a jewel in my heart."
Tyler could feel the emotion coming out of Sam's eyes. He knew Jem and Lindsey were silently crying as well. He was too. They were tears of hope. His feelings were so strong, so strong that he couldn't contain his happiness.
As Jaylin smiled at the boy, something indescribable flooded Tyler. It wasn't joy, happiness, or any other emotion. It was pure bliss. He felt a sense of enlightenment. He knew truly in his heart that God had smiled down on him.
"That was beautiful, my boy," the priest said, wonder and pride filling his smile. "Jaylin also has asked to say his own vows."
"For God's sake, just marry the dudes, already," Dave said.
It was a bit loud and quite enough people heard it. The priest laughed as if it was the first time he had heard a joke.
Ripples of laughter echoed in the pews as people whispered to one another what Dave had just said.
"I'll make this one short for you, buddy," Jaylin said, turning to Dave.
Turning to his man, Jaylin cleared his throat. "I love you, Tyler. I know I don't deserve you. I don't know why I have been blessed to be loved by you. Perhaps it was my charm, my witty remarks, or my overall good looks." He grinned at Tyler as the boy raised an eyebrow and smiled. Another chuckle arose from the audience.
"And so with all I am, with all my soul, I will become a shield for you, to protect you always from harm's way. As your personal knight, I don't charge much. A kiss now and then. We'll discuss the rest later." The crowd was roaring with fits of laughter.
"Tyler, I am yours, if you will have me."
Silence fell upon the church as Tyler smiled and nodded.
"And so, by the power vested in me by the Lord our God... "
Before the priest could finish his reading, Tyler's and Jaylin's lips blissfully sought each other's touch.
Cheers filled the church as family and friends stood up to congratulate the now-married couple. The two broke their kiss and stared deeply into each other's eyes before turning to the crowd and holding their joined hands up high.
The cheering faded as music filled the house of God.
Late at night when all the world is sleeping, I stay up and think of you.
Tyler and Jaylin stared up at the balcony above the entrance. Leah stood in the center, with a line of singers behind her. The stained glass windows complemented the dress she wore. She truly looked like an angel. Jaylin wrapped his arm around his husband as everyone turned towards the singing goddess.
Leah raised her hand towards the two.
And I wish on a star,
That somewhere you are thinking of me too.
The girls behind her raised their voices to complement Leah's beautiful voice.
'Cause I'm dreaming of you tonight
Till tomorrow, I'll be holding you tight
And there's nowhere in the world I'd rather be
Than here in my room dreaming about you and me.
Jaylin smiled proudly as she belted her voice out while everyone listened in awe.
Wonder if you ever see me, and I
Wonder if you know I'm there
If you looked in my eyes,
Would you see what's inside?
Would you even care?
I just wanna hold you close
But so far, all I have are dreams of you
So I wait for the day, and the courage to say
How much I love you.
'Cause I'm dreaming of you tonight
Till tomorrow, I'll be holding you tight
And there's nowhere in the world I'd rather be
Than here in my room dreaming about you and me.
The music faded and left Leah singing on her own, her voice carrying it's own melody and music.
Late at night when all the world is sleeping,
I stay up and think of you.
Tears of joy glittered in Leah's eyes.
And I still can't believe,
That you came up to me and said I love you.
I love you too.
The backup singers came in as well as the instrumentals, sending an uplifting sound into the hearts of everyone in the church.
Now I'm dreaming with you tonight,
Till tomorrow and for all of my life.
Leah pointed out towards the happy couple as her voice lifted to the sky.
And there's nowhere in the world I'd rather be…
Than here in my room dreaming with you endlessly.
The sun shone brightly down on the couple as they emerged from the church, family and friends cheering and congratulating them on their marriage. They turned to each other and shared a kiss that conveyed their happiness. As guests started to leave, Mr. and Mrs. Stafford organized people in front of the church for photos. They had hired a professional photographer for this merry occasion. There were pictures of Jaylin and the guys, Jaylin and the girls, Tyler with the guys, and Tyler with the girls. They then took couple photos. Tyler and Jaylin together had more than two rolls of film.
"Did I tell you how hot you look in that tux, babe?" Jaylin commented as he hugged his love from behind.
Jaylin breathed in Tyler as Tyler sighed happily. "No, but you can start anytime, my husband."
Both felt the rush of the words. They were married; they were joined, now and forever.
"What are you doing here!" a woman bellowed.
They turned towards the voice and Tyler felt his whole body freeze. His father stood firm, his dark sunken eyes showing lack of sleep and perhaps drinking.
"He wants nothing to do with you. Get out of here!" she shouted.
Sam and Dave were close by, holding each other, as Mr. Stafford told Dwayne to call the police.
"Oh, I'll leave, in a bit," the man mocked as he walked towards Tyler and Jaylin.
Tyler gulped in air as his grip on Jaylin became stronger. Jaylin just held him tighter, as if saying it was going to be all right.
"So, you're the one who my son married. You sure fooled me. What's wrong, a cheerleader bite your dick? It doesn't surprise me the little shit there is a cocksucker."
Tyler saw Dave advance with an angry look on his face, but stopped him with a stare.
"Dad, I'm sorry you can't understand how I feel," Tyler said, seeming unafraid. He was terrified, but he couldn't show it. "I'm gay and you can't change that. I wouldn't want to change, even if I could. I love him. Please just let us be."
"I think it's best you leave. Now!" Jaylin said, threateningly.
"Please leave them alone!" Mrs. Morton begged, with tears in her eyes.
"I want you to leave. I assume this is the last time I'll see you," Tyler said, showing no emotion.
His father held his position, and his dark laugh scared Tyler.
"I always knew. In the back of my mind I always knew you were gay. I always thought I could change that, but I guess I can't…. His words weren't loud, but his expression showed his anger.
"I'm sorry I couldn't do my job properly, boy, but I'll fix that for you," he snarled, as he pulled out a gun.
A thousand thoughts flooded Tyler's mind as he broke out of Jaylin's hold. His only concern at that moment was his love's safety.
I have to protect Jaylin! I…
Three shots rang out in front of the chapel on Bay Street.
Three times Tyler's body shook. He was falling. Thoughts rushed through his mind. This isn't too bad. Is this what dying is like? All I feel is this pressure around me. It doesn't hurt much. As long as I saved Jaylin, I don't care what happens to me.
His heart pounded as if it were in his ears. Tyler realized his eyes were sealed shut. He opened them, not shocked to find what was before him.
Nothing. Darkness. He knew his eyes were open, but darkness was all he could see.
Am I already dead? That was fast…
Slowly he noticed little things. He noticed the pressure around him never seem to release. He noticed how his breathing was short and difficult. He noticed a scent. The smell of Jaylin seemed to find him even at the moment of his death. He then noticed specks of light at the corners of his eyes. Finally gathering his senses, he realized he was still standing.
The pressure around him wasn't from being shot. He knew this feeling. This feeling was familiar, like he was in his love's arms. He pulled his head back, the light around him seeming to get brighter. As he pulled his head away, the beating sound began to fade.
Fear and anguish struck Tyler. His breath was ragged, his vision blurred, as he slowly looked up. His heart cried out as he found the face of his love, his soul, his husband, smiling down at him. His body was being held gently by the only love in his life.
"Hey," Jaylin whispered. "Are you ok?"
Wetness stung Tyler's face. His love grinned, despite the pain he felt throughout his body. The ragged breathing was not Tyler's. In his lover's arms, he felt Jaylin struggle to remain standing.
Tyler shook his head, denying the truth, hoping to change what was happening.
"No..." Tyler groaned.
Jaylin released his love as he fell to one knee, holding his side as harsher pain enveloped him. Tyler fell with him and held his shoulders. He encircled his arms around Jaylin's back and shuddered as he found the proof that confirmed his fears.
Holding Jaylin close to himself, he whispered in his ear, "You're gonna be okay, babe. Hold on. Please, don't let go. You're going to be okay. Sam!! Dave!!" Tyler called out to his friends.
Jaylin weakly smiled and cringed as pain stabbed at his back. Just trying to open his mouth seemed to rip his sides apart.
"Lay me down, please. I can't do it on my own," Jaylin whispered with his eyes closed.
Tyler eased Jaylin onto his back, seeing pain on his precious face, and looked around for help. Too much movement was happening around him. People were shouting, yelling. Dave stood fiercely over Alan Morton, anger and sadness mixed together in his features. Mr. Morton was on his stomach with several people pinning him down. The man Tyler had called father was laughing; a glimmer of insanity marking his eyes.
Tyler turned back to the man who trembled in his arms, "It's okay, Jayse. You're going to be okay."
Jaylin simply stared at him and shook his head. "No, Ty… "
He felt like cursing at him. He had to hold on; he couldn't let go. "Damn you, Jayse! Don't say that!"
"I know my body best, Ty."
"No..." he begged. "You can't do this! You can't leave me!"
"Tyler… God, you're so perfect. I love you so much." Jaylin reached up and brushed his love's face. "Be strong. Everything's going to be okay… You're going to be okay." Jaylin's body shook again as more pain surged through it.
"Jaylin… Don't… We promised to be together until the end. Please don't leave me alone," Tyler cried out. Having the man he loved so much ripped out of his life would be too much for him to bear. "We have to finish school still…. We'll get kids. You'll pick them up from school, and we'll watch over them as they sleep. We'll grow old together. We'll watch each sunrise and sunset…" Tyler was openly crying now, as he felt his lover growing cold. "This can't be happening. I- I can feel you getting weaker. Please don't go. I need you!"
It was as if Jaylin was overcoming his pain with a smile. "You always were the one to think ahead. You'll do those things, Ty. You will."
"I will with you."
Jaylin's smile faded into a sad expression. "You know... that's not possible… right?"
Tyler brushed Jaylin's face with his free hand. "You're not leaving me… You will live." He said “live” firmly, in hopes that his love would not give up.
Jaylin just stared at Tyler, his face not flinching from the pain.
"Ty… God, you mean so much to me. There's so much I want you to know… so much I want to tell you…"
"There will be plenty of time." Tyler almost forced his words. "You will recover, and you can tell me…"
"Listen to me, Ty," Jaylin said with great effort, "things might be a little different from now on. It's going to be hard…"
"Jayse, you need to save your strength…"
"Ty, just listen for a sec…" Jaylin said with forced anger.
Tyler was silenced by his love's command.
"Things are going to be different from now on, but you're going to be okay. My family… they'll take care of you…our friends will watch over you… I'm sorry I have to do this to you…"
A hole opened up in Tyler's stomach, "Why did you do it, Jayse? I didn't ask you to save me… Why?"
He heard his love chuckle. "Heh, I don't know. My body reacted on its own, but I always promised to be your shield, remember? I lived up to my word, right?"
Tyler clamped his eyes shut, trying to hold in his emotion. A gentle hand caressed he face. He opened his eyes and saw his love sadly staring up at him.
"I'm sorry. I...." Pain momentarily stilled the words that tried to escape. ”T- this is sort of selfish for me to ask, but can you please smile for me? I want your smile to be the last thing I see. Please smile."
Tyler still shook his head, hoping that this was all a nightmare. Tears of anguish flowed from his eyes.
"I'm begging you, babe. Please, just once more...your smile." Jaylin coughed, each word tearing at his throat.
Despite wanting to cry out loud, to run up and kill his father, to live the rest of his life with the love he held in his arms, Tyler struggled to quiet his tears and look down calmly at his lover. No matter how hard he tried to defy fate, he realized he was going to lose the one person that meant the world to him. It took all his strength to smile for Jaylin. Yet it was all worth it.
His husband looked up at him, the same glitter in his eyes, the eyes Tyler had fallen in love with. The brown gems seemed to glisten.
"I'm sorry, Ty… I'm so scared… I don't want to leave you… "
Seeing his love in such a pained state, Tyler couldn't hold his smile any longer, and lowered his lips to Jaylin's before he could notice it fade. He tried to ignore the coolness of Jaylin's lips, and the shortness of breath of his love in his arms. As Tyler lifted his head, Jaylin's eyes were closed, but he breathed deeply, and a smile briefly fluttered across his lips.
Tyler held his husband's body close to him as the breathing shortened. As Jaylin released one last breath, Tyler heard the wind whisper, "I love you, Tyler Edison Stafford, forever..."
Watching his love's head slowly sag lower, Tyler embraced his life, his soul, his everything.
Trying to call back a departed soul, Tyler whispered endlessly, "Come back, don't go..."
**************
The valley was an endless green, hills planted as far as the eye could see. The scenery looked a bit odd with so much green and not a single flower or tree. The wind encircled Tyler as he opened his eyes to this wonder before him. He smiled knowingly. He had made it. Far off in the distance he saw a lone figure moving towards him. Taking off at a fast run, Tyler bolted down the hill, knowing who waited for him below.
As he came closer to the figure, its features became more familiar. Joy burst out of Tyler's eyes as he ran into Jaylin's arms. He breathed in all he could of his husband. He felt Jaylin's strong arms pull him close.
"I've missed you so much!" Tyler almost yelled.
"I'm here for you, baby," Jaylin said quietly. Without looking at his face, Tyler knew the man he had searched for was smiling.
Moments that stretched out for eternity seemed to exist here.
The wind was all Tyler heard at first, but then the singing voice caused him to look up at his love.
"So lately, been wondering, who will be there to take my place," Jaylin sang softly, his eyes closed.
"Jayse, what are you… Stop it!" Tyler said angrily, suddenly choking on his own words.
Jaylin ignored the precious voice that used to halt his words with that tone. "When I'm gone, you'll need love, to light the shadows on your face."
Burying his face into his love's chest, Tyler wanted to scream, but he couldn't raise his voice at the man he loved. "Jayse, no, please. Please stop!"
Firm hands that could belong to none other than Jaylin grabbed his shoulders and gently pushed him back slightly. Jaylin sang the song that seemed to tear Tyler, forcing his beloved to look up at him. Tyler watched as more pain than he had ever known washed over his Jaylin's face. It was hurting him to sing this. Tyler didn't understand why Jaylin looked so hurt. He had never seen his love so sad, so much in pain, not even in the moments before his death.
"If a great wave shall fall, and fall upon us all," Tears now streaked Jaylin's face, but his tears didn't weaken his singing voice. "Then between the sand and stone, could you make it on your own?"
Tyler tried to hold in his sorrow as he listened to his love sing to him. He buried his face in his love's chest and cried.
The wind picked up and seemed to embrace the two. In almost a whisper but still maintaining his audible voice, Jaylin sang, "If I could, then I would. I'll go wherever you will go. Way up high or down low, I'll go wherever you will go."
Tyler cried harder, knowing what his love was trying to say.
"I love you, babe. As much as it fills me to see you here, it hurts me to have to let you go."
Tyler backed away from his lover's arms. "Why are you doing this to me?"
Jaylin just sadly smiled at the boy. "You can't stay here, Tyler."
"Yes! I'm staying here with you. I won't be separated from you anymore. We'll be together forever!"