This story is connected to my other story ‘A Nonchalant Love Story’, but it is a story on it’s own as well. Please R&R

Endives and Lilies

Endive Marshall, 26, drove down the cold dark street, traveling home. He had left the party early after someone decided to vomit right on his shoes. He hurriedly jumped into his car and speeded away after that episode. He had to slow down now though, because it started to pour down rain.

“Why now? Just my friggin’ luck!” He turned on his windshield wipers and watched the road closely. “What the?” He hit the brakes as a kid ran by with no shoes on. He quickly rolled down his window, letting the cold rain in.

“Hey kid!” He shouted to the boy, who was half way down the block now. He drove his car up to him. “What are you doing out here? Do you know what time it is?” the boy looked at him angrily. “Of course! I shouldn’t be out here!” He flashed a look at his naked wrist. “It’s skin o’ clock!” He started walking.

“Come here, let me give you a ride home.” Endive said, waving the boy over. “I’m already home.” The boy said with finality. “No, you’re not. You’ve got to be only fifteen, or sixteen. Where are your parents?” The boy walked away, but talked back to him. “Actually I’m seventeen, old man, and I suggest you mind your business.”

‘Old?’ Endive thought. He shook his head. “Why don’t you come home with me?” He shouted out to the boy. The boy spun around angrily, his long, wet brown hair flopping. “What are you some kind of sicko?” Endive was shocked. “No! Of course not. I meant that you could come in out of the rain, and maybe get some dry clothes (and some shoes)” He added. “You’re just like the others.” The kid sneered. “I won’t let you touch me!” He shouted, slipping a switchblade from somewhere on his body, to his hand. “Kid, just get in the car. If I leave, my conscience will bug me until the end of my days. I’ll let you keep your blade with you.” He glared into my eyes stonily for a minute. “Okay. I’ll come, but if you try anything,” he grinned. “I’ll kill you.” Endive smiled to himself as the boy climbed in on the passenger side. “I’m Endive.” The boy scratched his ear and looked out the window. “Chris.”

(At Endive’s apartment)

“More please!” Chris chirped happily as he held up his bowl, wanting a fourth serving. Endive looked at him surprised. “You eat like a horse kid!” Chris looked down and blushed, embarrassed.

“I’m sorry.” “No, it’s fine, I usually wind up throwing most of the stuff I cook away. It’s just that I’m surprised you can hold this much food.” Endive said, handing him another full bowl. “Thank you.”

Endive waited for him to finish eating. “You’re okay now?” Chris smiled. “Yeah, I’m not hungry anymore. “Good, now tell me . . . Why were you walking the streets?” Chris put on a stony face again. “It doesn’t matter.” He said flatly. “I think I have the right to know why there is a boy eating at my table when he should be at his family’s.” Chris’s face frowned angrily. “I ran away.” “Why?” “Because I had no other choice.” Endive looked at him seriously. “You always have a choice.” “No, not always.” He laughed manically. Endive frowned. “What do you mean?” Chris laughed again. “Well, for example, you can’t choose your birth parents.” “I guess not.” “In my case, my problem is people can’t choose their sexuality.” Endive looked at him confused. “I’m gay Endive.”

A chill ran down Endives spine. His family had always taught him to ridicule homosexuals and bisexuals. He had learned that they were bad people who turned away from God. Something was wrong here. “You don’t seem evil to me.” Endive took Chris by surprise. “Who said anything about being evil?” Endive tried to explain. “Homosexuality goes against the bible! It’s a sin!” “So is fornication!” Endive stared. “But . . . It’s not the same thing.” “They deserve the same amount of punishment, according to the bible. Oh yeah, and I’m not a Christian.” Endive looked embarrassed. “I’m sorry.” Chris got up from the table. “I guess I’ll be leaving now, oh, thanks for the food, and the clothes.”

“Please! Don’t leave. I’m sorry. I didn’t think.” Chris looked at him sadly. “I know. That’s why I’m leaving.” Endive got up and walked over to him. “No, you don’t understand! I was reciting something I’ve been told since I was a child. I know you’re not evil. Don’t leave.” They looked at each other for a moment. “Okay. I’ll stay, but just for the night.”

To Be Continued . . .(If anyone likes it)