The Wedding - Part 2

I would have to assume those that have read the most recent chapter of Hi, I'm Lance also read the next-to-last chapter of If It Weren't For the Two of Us. 

Click here to read Hi, I'm Lance, Meeting No. 90 [Chap. 28].

Upon seeing it was Mike and Trent's wedding, I hope you weren't feeling "That? Again?" Seeing it through the eyes of Lance and how it affects him hopefully differentiates the return to this event for you.

And so, Lance and Jakob are making big steps. They are almost a year into the relationship. However, they aren't there yet. They have plans to make, jobs to maintain, and ... Lance has yet to meet Anson. Stay tuned for all of it.

Since writing this chapter last year, I enjoyed going back prior to posting — as I always do — and adding some more character development. I loved revisiting Lance's thought processes and his questions on how Mike knew. Adding those touches to the chapter I think helped make it more well rounded.

There are two flashbacks in this chapter. The hot scene is from Trent's book, Chapter 14. The post car-wreck flashback took place in Chapter 30.

Do you feel it odd that Lance thought back to those scenes during the wedding? Or does it seem on target for watching someone whom you once loved getting married? In my mind, it seemed in tune with Lance's character.

One thing I didn't really elaborate on is Lance's reflection on Evan. His cousin considers Jakob and Lance to be the perfect couple. I suppose that might be something he will mention to Jakob "in the morning." Or maybe Evan's compliment didn't even sink in as Lance was worrying about him. I didn't determine that particular point. The reader can interpret Lance's reaction to Evan's slip-up however they wish.

Anson

 

I’ve titled this post "Anson." It could potentially be a mistake, as Anson will arrive to make an impact later in the story (and I might wish to have saved that post title). However, the last line in this chapter is a tease, isn’t it?

Click here to read Hi, I’m Lance Meeting 75 [Chap. 27].

This lets me share various things.

We know a little about Jakob’s past. Now that his birthday has come back around, it has been almost a year since he decided to leave his horrible, abusive surroundings he was living in. Although he only lived out of his car and slept on a park bench briefly before moving to the shelter, Hi, I’m Lance has only shared bits and pieces. We know how Jakob left his home, and we know that Anson was his first boyfriend in high school. Once Jakob came clean with his family, he was forced to leave, and Anson’s family took him in (at least temporarily).

Sidestep here to … well, me. All these characters really just started as a creative writing whim when the pandemic started. It was a diversion. I would never have dreamed — or dared — to show it to anyone. I was enjoying writing Extracurricular, but I had to ask, even to myself, how was I going to end it? It’s not in my nature just to leave it unfinished. The “hopeful” but nebulous ending didn’t appease me for long. I wanted to keep writing. So flipping the narrative to a different perspective of another protagonist (but still the same story) intrigued me. Thus, Book Two: If It Weren’t For the Two of Us was born. Soon, I fell in love with writing Lance’s character. The more I dug in, the more interesting he became. I didn’t even wait to finish the second book. There was a clear divergent point for Hi, I’m Lance to start, so I did it right in the middle. Obviously, making sure both stories worked together was a bit more challenging that way, but story wise, it made sense. Extracurricular is admittedly shorter than the two books that followed, but once I finished Hi, I’m Lance, I figured it worked nicely as a trilogy and I was done.

Which brings us back to Jakob. Doggone it if I didn’t fall in love with him too. He had such an intense backstory, it needed to be told. So, a fourth book was written. Once I became a regular Nifty author, I wondered if readers would really even be interested in Jakob’s story. It is so different. At the core of each of my books is a love story. Jakob has to go through a lot. Would readers be willing to endure it alongside him? At least in their situation, they know that eventually life turns a corner, and he meets Lance. But it is a long process. Because he had to climb his way out of his situation, I named the book Ascension: Jakob’s Ladder.

Many of you just click on the Nifty links. You might not realize that the chapters of Hi, I’m Lance are not even numbered. They are all named for meetings. When Book Four is eventually posted this summer, you might notice the first chapter is “16.” Each chapter will be a year in Jakob’s life. It will go from the pivotal years of high school to a few years beyond how we know Jakob now. Like I said — it’s really different!

So when Anson arrives in a few chapters (spoiler), you will begin to know him. When Jakob’s book begins posting, you will be able to flashback and see Anson in his teens as well.

Maybe it is a selfish conceit, but writing my stories where all the characters overlap but still have an opportunity to tell their own story is enjoyable. New characters come into play, but working with established characters and further fleshing them out is fun.

I’m appreciative that you are following along.

Audience

With this chapter, those who have followed If It Weren't For the Two of Us have already experienced the evening of The Showcase. Turning back the calendar, we see the performance through the eyes of Lance and Jakob as they sit further back in the audience.

To read Hi, I'm Lance, Meeting No. 65 [Chap. 26], click here.

Although this isn't the first time readers have been through this night, the people and conversations are different.

And here's an insider tip, Trent does indeed write a second play and Jakob is the inspiration. Stay tuned for that.

This chapter actually represents every artist and every author who has written a story or book (Nifty or not). There is always that fear that your work is going to flop. It is incredibly awkward to ask your friends to read, see or evaluate your work. In Trent's case, it worked out. (Hopefully in mine as well. It is scary to ask my friends to read my stories.)

To review from Trent's perspective, click here to read If It Weren't For the Two of Us, Chapter 43.

Of course, the chapter ends with bringing Andrew's story arc to a close. I could have kept him around, but for the plot to work, I would have had to continue twisting the knife in his struggles. I don't mean to gloss over the severe pain of such a loss; it's horrific. But I wanted Andrew's story to show healing, and in his case, the smart move was for him to return to his hometown.

For anyone dealing with emotional challenges, I hope the help you are receiving is improving your way of life.

Grand Canyon: The Final Chapter

The final chapter of If It Weren't For the Two of Us had now brought Trent's story arc to an end.

Read Chapter 45 here.

When Extracurricular ended, it was a much shorter storyline, and by the time I posted it, I knew the story continued in the follow-up book. This last chapter was different. We have been through so much with Trent (as well as his now-husband Mike). Emotionally, I'm a bit proud to see this completed, but I have to admit it is sad to know that was the final chapter. Thankfully, the characters live on in further stories.

My photo of the Grand Canyon on the blog has been foreshadowing this chapter for about a year now. Someone somewhere had to be curious as to why I chose that image. I knew we would eventually get here. Unfortunately, the picture I have here on this blog is SUPPOSED to be what you see at the end of the last chapter. Alas, that doesn't appear to upload, so ... grrr.

The tagline at the top of the blog is "Love stories for the gay male." I do hope you feel this was a legitimate love story. There is no denying readers seek the Nifty platform for erotic content. When I first started writing, the first two chapters were composed years and years ago and stumbled upon in the onset of the pandemic. I cleaned them up and put them on the computer (yes, they were actually written). I decided to continue into further chapters. My stay-at-home diversion during the pandemic was born. Soon, I knew that writing love stories was infinitely more rewarding than writing sex scenes.

Along the way, more characters came into play. Following graduation — and Lance's major events — we've met Jakob, Cooper, Trent's and Mike's parents and other minor characters. All this continues in Hi, I'm Lance, as well as the fourth and fifth book. We're not really saying goodbye here.

I've said it before and will continue to do so, thank you. Thank you! After typing up those first two chapters (now my least favorite), I never could have imagined I would be outlining a sixth novel (and wondering if a seventh and eighth are worthy of telling). The support of the online community has helped spur my desire to continue. I do hope this love story has reached you in some way. My goal has been to create realistic characters. I've come to care for them. I think some of you do too.

Hugs and blessings.

The Original Prologue

If you haven’t read Chapter 44:

Click here to read If It Weren’t For the Two of Us, Chapter 44.

Before I jump into the wedding, let me share something about the writing process. Extracurricular was such a personal project at the beginning of the pandemic, I never dared dream I would share it with anyone — at all! But I turned out loving the diversion during the pandemic. Several chapters in, I found the sex became secondary to the characters themselves. I made myself care about them, and I tried to make Mike and Trent realistic. The story was evolving more deeply to me. But then, I thought to myself, “How will I end this?” It wasn’t like anyone would ever read it; it didn’t need to be concrete. The nebulous, hopeful ending of Extracurricular would serve fine. And if I ever did share it with anyone, they could imagine their own conclusion, hopefully that Mike and Trent would get back together.

But staying at home while viruses spread can result in cabin fever. Eventually, I wanted to write again, and I thought, “What if I pick up the story from the perspective of Trent?

Here, I am sharing the original first two pages (which makes this a long post). I had no qualms letting whatever readers (nonexistent ones I imagined at that point) know that Mike and Trent made it. That wasn’t important. It was the journey getting there — THAT was the focus of the book.

Here is the original prologue:

If It Weren’t for the Two of Us

 

Mike went first:

“Sixteen months ago, you walked into my room having no idea you would change my world forever. In the past year I have not only found new places in my heart and in my soul, but you have filled them, expanding my capacity for happiness and love. I promise to spend every day of our lives just trying to attempt making you even close to how happy you have made me. I love you, Trent, and I will love you for all of my life.”

My turn:

“Mike, when I was lost, I turned to you, hoping you would be my lifeline. But that has changed; you are my life itself. Call it God, call it Fate, call it Destiny — whatever it was, it led me to you. Each and every day I feel blessed that we met, that we found that the other made each of us a better person, and that you are able to love me in spite of my flaws. I promise to be there for you, to hold you and take care of you and to love you every day of my life.”

Following that, Zach spoke:

“Love is our best friend, our helper, and the healer of the ills that prevent us from being happy.

“Please face each other and take each other’s hands so that you may see the gift that they are to you. These are the hands of your best friend, strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch will comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it, support and encouragement to pursue your dreams and comfort in difficult times. And lastly, these are the hands that even years from now will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just one touch.

Michael Adam Terry, do you take Jeremiah Trent Kyriazi to be your husband, to love and take care of for all the rest of your days?”

“I do,” Mike answered.

“Jeremiah Trent Kyriazi, do you take Michael Adam Terry to be your husband, to love and take care of for all the rest of your days?”

“I do,” I said with an unhindered huge smile on my face.

“By the power invested in me by the state, I now pronounce you officially married. You may kiss your husband.”

Following a long kiss, we heard the crowd erupt. Having lost track of them even sitting there, we turned to face family and friends. The smiles on our faces were mirrored by theirs. We clutched hands and held them above our heads in unity. Following that, we walked down the aisle and made our way outside to the beautifully decorated gazebo. As officiant, Zach was saying final words to the audience. We knew they would be joining us soon.

Lance and Jakob came up to us first. They had been standing to the side, assisting with the ceremony. We hugged.

“Congratulations, you two. I cannot tell you how happy I am for you. It’s hard to believe I have watched you on this entire journey,” Lance told us. “I’m not sure how you did it — how you made it all work — but I’ve never seen two people more perfect for one another.”

“Thanks buddy,” I said. “There were definitely some obstacles in our path, but we both knew what we wanted. One thing that helped us get us through the break and to this point was the journal Mike gave me.

 

1

 

It sat here for four days. I stared at it on my desk. I had spent most of spring break here at my parents’ house. It was delivered on Monday. Mom and Dad thought it was a wonderful gift — a former teacher giving me a journal to encourage me to write. Mike didn’t include anything mushy with it. Just a card that said:

“You are an amazing writer. Find time to put your thoughts down and have them at your fingertips. I hope you develop your talents for years to come.

—      Michael Terry”

The card clearly conveyed nothing overly personal. I’m sure that was intentional in case my parents were the ones to open the package or if they inquired about the card. That was smart on his part. I texted him to say it had been delivered and to thank him for it. I told him it was beautiful. He texted back saying he was glad that it arrived and that he loved me.

But here it was. Fresh and unopened. The virginity of a simple seal still intact. What could I write? What should I write? Should I journal my days? Should I write a play? Poetry? Hate mail to the gods for making me gay? Love letters to fate for letting me find Mike? The magnitude of the blank pages was overwhelming.

 

By this time, I was considering maybe, possibly, probably-not-but-might post it on Nifty. I was wondering if a place for such writing existed. A Google search led me to Nifty. One of the first stories I clicked on is still my favorite to this day: Miles From Home by Roman Jeffries. (If you haven’t read it, do so; he’s a fantastic writer). As he shared a bit about the process of getting started, he conceded he wasn’t a fan of the “flash forward,” yet it seemed to be practical for him to introduce his story that way (for various reasons). I was deep into writing Book Two, and I knew Mike and Trent would make it and I wanted Lance to find someone. So upon reflection, I stared at the prologue. Did it help the writing to start with the wedding? People who read the first book would have no idea who Jakob was (because I didn’t), and frankly, it was just too jarring from our protagonists putting their relationship on hold at the end of Extracurricular to us reciting wedding vows at the beginning of If It Weren’t For the Two of Us. Who was Zach? Would people be intrigued to find out about these people, or was it just a bumbling mess to begin with a flash forward? It made no sense to do that. Plus, it let me develop the sexual tension between Lance and Trent to where readers (once I committed to posting on Nifty) might wonder if those two would finally pair up and fall in love.

[If you want to review how Chapter 1 started, click here.]

So. Back to the wedding. Gay or straight, there are some individuals who just aren’t “wedding people.” If this chapter was just “too sweet” for you, I apologize and thank you for indulging me. Life is too harsh to even consider beginning my conclusion of Trent’s storyline on a sad note. After all, “Love stories for the gay male” is right at the top of the blog. It is my hope that you enjoyed being in attendance.

Growing up, I probably didn’t picture myself getting married. I would sometimes imagine what I might like mine to look like, but year after year of me not being interested in women finally closed any thoughts on that. It’s nice that there are some positive changes in the world that such things are now possible.

When the final chapter posts next time, I hope the journey with these two characters has been an enjoyable one for you. 

The Showcase

It has been almost a month since a new chapter of If It Weren't For the Two of Us has dropped.

This chapter finally completes the buildup to the play Trent has written. When I introduced The Showcase in Extracurricular, it was to create a night where Mike and Trent would enjoy out but would have a reason for Trent's mother to be there. It mixed Trent's family and friends. At the time, I didn't plan for The Showcase to be a key plot point in a second book (that I had no idea I was even going to write).

Read If It Weren't For the Two of Us, Chapter 43 here.

As Book Two developed, I thought the journal was a great opportunity for Trent to act upon his friends' encouragement of his creative talents. Since then, the journal has been divided into half, part of it being his personal life, and part of it being notes for his play.

With only two chapters still left to go in If It Weren't For the Two of Us, this certainly was a plot point that I needed to wrap up. What I like about it is that it helps pull a lot of things from the whole book together: college friends Zach and Tariq, his career coworkers and emotional struggles he has gone through. I felt it a reasonable event to help his father deal with his own evolving thoughts.

It is not a sexually charged chapter. I hope that isn't a disappointment.

When Extracurricular concluded, I knew I still had two more books at that time that would eventually post. And while, yes, I am still in the same position, there is something slightly bittersweet about Book Two coming to an end. It does sadden me. Obviously Trent will still be in Hi, I'm Lance and has appearances in Book Four and Book Five, seeing the approach of the end of his story causes feelings in me I can't put my finger on. They are all fictitious characters, but even so, I have created them, so there is that (odd) fatherly pride in something that doesn't exist. I wonder if writers of television series (or actors) have such thoughts and feelings toward characters.

Even though it causes the chronology to be slightly askew, I will post the final two chapters of Book Two before heading back to Hi, I'm Lance. Readers who are following along as I post will be backtracking a touch when Lance's story resumes, but nothing is going to hinder the enjoyment of it.

Thanks for being on this journey with me (and Trent).

Valentine's Day

In the events of this chapter, Valentine's Day takes place.

Read Hi, I'm Lance, Meeting No. 60 [Chap. 25] here.

I finished writing this story a year ago. Because of the nature of the Nifty platform (i.e. posting books a chapter at a time), authors go back and review what they've written. Something tells me I'm a bit of a rarity. I think most authors on the site post a chapter when they are done with that chapter, but I don't begin posting a story until the book is done. That said, because it is made available in parts along the way, I can go back and develop a scene or add some dialogue that helps clarity.

The previous chapter was so short, I felt another short chapter was not the way to go. Granted, I didn't add that much, but what I did put in was very thoughtprovoking on a personal level. Originally, Lance looking at the cards on the dresser and reflecting back on the previous year was not included.

What a difference a year can make. Lance was in denial on Valentine's Day the year before. I know there are readers out there who are closeted. Everyone has their own path, and the reasons for our choices are not always within our control. But even though he is a fictious character, I hope Lance living life as his true self and finding true love and happiness in doing so serves as a message of hope.

I'm not sure Valentine's Day has the same impact to gay people as straight people. That's probably a brash statement to make, as I'm sure there are those that just adore the holiday in both situations. I've never been one to make it overly elaborate. Perhaps the dinner date between the four characters in this chapter seems ideal to me because it is the simple things that I believe truly express love.

Andrew has made progress. I also don't find it too much of a spoiler to say I am not letting him give up and take the path Tyler did. I'm not doing that to the readers. But his road is not an easy one to travel.

Next up will be the final three chapters of Trent's book. For readers who have followed Book Two and Book Three as they have been posted, the chronology will be slightly askew, but it shouldn't hinder the enjoyment of either book. (For those who discover the books months from now, it makes no difference. Ha.)