Sui-Lon is in the kitchen about to bring in more food while her dinner guest are all sitting around the table laughing, talking and totally enjoying the wonderful dinner that she has prepared. She’s barely sat down during the whole meal. John keeps watching her jump up and down from the table being the perfect host as usual.

“Sui-Lon honey, why don’t you just sit down and eat okay. You’re making me dizzy. Everything is perfect and it’s just us. It’s not like we are Bill and Hillary Clinton. What was that like? He winked at her waiting for her to dish.

Sui-Lon put the platter of food on the table, sat down, blew out a “whew” sound from her mouth. “Well as you know that wasn’t the first time that my company catered a Clinton affair. His last year in office I was called to cater a political fund-raiser for his camp $100,ooo.00 a plate thank you! I think he was satisfied, because he sent one of his aids over to thank me. He didn’t want to be caught whispering into my ear after the Monica Lewinsky debacle according to the aid.  Telling me that President Clinton looked forward to doing business with me in the future. I just smiled and nodded over towards Clinton’s way and of course I was planning on holding him to it.”

Marc reached out his hand to stop her so that he continue the story she quietly retreated turning it over to him. “By holding him to it.  (He makes the signs for quotations) she means that she walked right over to Bill and Hillary and before his secret service detail was about to converge on her and bring her down, Bill waved them off of her he  flashed that smile of his, reached out to shake her hand, took her business card, and then he introduced her to Hillary. He started chatting with her and she was in!’  Marc picked up his wine glass to make a toast as everyone at the table followed his lead and made a toast to Sui-Lon. Sui-Lon stood up and took a bow. Marc reached over to give her a kiss.

“Sui-Lon this dinner is delicious. Whatever did you make for dessert? John asked.

Sui-Lon gave him a great big ole smile. “Well John believe it or not even though it was a surprise that you were coming over, I made our favorite dessert.” John had a big grin come all over his face. “Sui-Lon child you made pumpkin strudel! Girl I love you.” Yes I did!’ She said with an even bigger grin on her face. “It just seems that we can read each other’s thoughts sometimes.

Marc was starting to get annoyed at all this bonding of sorts between the two of them and before he knew it, he was whispering under his breath. “I bet the two of you can!”  Sui-Lon looked over at him and asked him what he just said. but before he could answer John interrupted him.

” So Emmie  that hunk of yours is on his way here. Are you going to be able to stay for dessert or are you two going to go home for dessert?”  Emmie put her hand over her mouth and starting giggling like a school girl in love. “Cut it out John. Perhaps I’ll have a little dessert here and we’ll top it off in out apartment.”  She looked around the table at everyone with those beautiful cat-like eyes that  helped to catapult her to the top as a super model and started to giggle even more. “Sui-Lon I hope that you have extra whip cream because I love a lot on my pumpkin strudel and it looks like someone might need to borrow some tonight. Emmie throwing some attitude Johns way said to him, “Very funny but we have our own whip cream and a few other things. “Like what?” John asked but before she could answer  she was saved by the bell. It was Sui-Lons doorbell. Emmie expecting it to be Devon jumped up. “I’ll get it!” When she got to the door and opened in walked Devon with roses in his hands and a dreamy-eyed smile on his face. He handed the flowers to Emmie and then he planted a deep passionate kiss on her. Sui-Lon walked in on the middle of them kissing.

“Perhaps I should just throw a blanket over you two.”  They broke free from the kiss and Devon walked over to Su-Lon and gave her a big hug and kiss.

“Hi Sui-Lon it’s good to see you and thanks for inviting me to dinner. I know it was kind of last-minute.?”

” Don’t worry about it, you’re family. Now get your ass in here and say hello to everyone. That is unless you two plan on having you’re welcome home sex right here in my living room.” She laughs.

Emmiee took Devon’s hand and they followed Sui-Lon into the dining room. Marc and John got up to say hello, shook his hand and to give him a hug. Devon took a seat at the table next to Emmie where they sat holding hands.

“So how’s it going man? I hear that you signed the group and also got yourself an executive producer credit as well. way to go man.” Marc said to him.

“Yeah everything is falling right into place. I am really very happy and blessed.

Marc reached for a cigar. “Yeah man but you know what ever since I have known you, you’ve had an in on the music world, on what people want to hear. So this deal that you managed to get for yourself and the group doesn’t surprise me one bit.”

“Thanks man. So tell me how’s that deal coming along with that picture that you’re supposed to be directing? Is it off the ground yet?”

Marc lights his cigar, takes a big puff and turns his head to blow the smoke away from the table. Sui-Lon immediately got up from the table  to open a window and she turned on the air to help vent out the smoke.

“Well yeah I’ll tell ya… the studio and all the V.P.’s are taking a breath for now.” Marc winked at Devon and took another puff off his cigar. Sui-Lon took a look around the table at her guest at the table and said. “And for those of you who don’t know what that means : That’s Hollywood shop talk for they are thinking it over. Now Marc I need to stop you right now because I know that once you get a glass of wine and a cigar in your hands you’re going to start talking shop. So come on baby let’s not do that tonight.”

Marc took another puff from his cigar. and because he was annoyed at Sui-Lon for cutting him off he didn’t turn his head away from the table instead he blew the smoke up towards the ceiling and said, “Oh really then what should we talk about then? Maybe you and John should pick a topic.”

Sui-Lon was starting to get annoyed at Marc’s weird behavior. “Marc what the hell is that supposed to mean?”

Marc takes a sip of his wine. “I am sure that John knows what I mean. Try this topic :Better sex through gay friends. Now that’s a topic I’m sure that you two know a whole lot about!”

Still confused and not understanding what Marc was talking about she said, “Marc what on earth are you talking about?”

“Ask John or better yet ask yourself.”

Still not getting what he meant  she looked over at John. “Do you have any idea what Marc’s carrying on about?”

John shoots Sui-Lon a look that he knows that she will notice and understand. “Sui-Lon I haven’t the slightest idea what Marc is talking about  – unless.” John paused and picked up his glass of water, takes a drink, puts the glass back down and looks over at Marc.

“Unless what?” Sui-Lon asked.

” Unless, Gosh Sui-Lon I knew that you couldn’t keep a good thing quiet.”

“Sui-Lon looked directly into John’s eyes. “John come on tell me you can’t be talking about what I think you are talking about! That happened a long time ago.”

“So then why do we keep going back there. It must have been good, otherwise why do we keep revisiting this?”

Sui-Lon sounding cocky says to John. “I never said that it wasn’t good. You do have a special way of doing things John. I gotta give you that. As a matter of fact that’s why I gave it to you.”

” I know and you gave it to me over and over again.” John said smiling at her.

Marc sat at the table mortified He could not believe the two of them admitting in front  of him and everyone sitting at the table that they had sex together. He immediately lit up another cigar, chain-smoking. “I can’t believe this is happening, I can’t believe you two!”

Sui-Lon was still looking at John. “Oh deal with it Marc. Be a man. This happened long before I met you.”

Sui-Lon come on the cat’s out of the bag now. We might as well cop to the whole thing, remember last week?”

Sui-Lon was still following Johns lead. “Oh that! Well that kind of just happened.”

“Just happened. I believe that you were begging for it. Remember it was just after Marc had left and you said (John pauses and looks over at Marc) well you know what you said.”

Marc chimed in. “Yeah you said Marc doesn’t work it enough for me.”

And John feigning shock and surprise says,” Uhh Sui-Lon I cannot believe you told him that.”

Then Emmie jumps into the conversation – “Oh no you didn’t John! You and Sui-Lon. I can’t believe it! What about you and me…that time when you and I.” She stopped in mid-sentence and slapped her hand over her mouth as if she was even surprised by what she was divulging. Both Devon and Marc turned and looked at Emmie in total dis-belief. Devon stood up and said “John you and my wife and Sui-Lon too? Damn! What about us man? That time that you and I were together remember? I was feeling lonely about Em being away in Paris on that shoot and we comforted each other. God-man and now I find out that you’ve been with my wife too.”

At this point Marc is on his feet in shock. He picked the bottle of wine up off the table and instead of pouring a glass he puts the bottle to his lips and starts guzzling it. He swallows real hard and slams the bottle down onto the table. “Devon not you to man!”

Sui-Lon reached over to Devon and gives him a high-five. “Devon I can’t be mad at you. John is very good at what he does. He can work it!”

“I agree and child I can’t be mad either. It’s like you said Sui-Lon. John sure can work it. And as long as he’s keeping it in the family, it’s cool with me.” Emmie said to her.

Devon reaches out to high-five Sui-Lon back and Emmie reaches up to high-five them. everyone is all high-fiving and Marc is about to lose his shit. It’s just too much for him.

“Well Sui-Lon I give as good as I get and when Marc goes on-line pretending to be you, I work it just enough to give him exactly what he deserves!” John says and then the four of them turn around and look directly at Marc who looks like he is about to have a coronary and they burst out laughing.

By this time of course Marc realizes that they were all working his nerves. He also realizes that John knew that it was him im’ing him all along. He cups his hands to his head and turns beat red from embarrassment. “You guys are all just so amusing…ha-ha! Just a riot all of you.”

John gets up from his seat and goes over to Marc and gives him a hug. Marc reluctantly hugs him back. “I love you Marc but how long have you known me? I just could not resist it when you opened up that kind of dialogue with me on-line. Like I  wouldn’t know that it was you. You’re a mess but I love you. A straight  mess but I still love you.”

“John I asked Marc how he got you down here. I knew that something was up. He was prying you for information about you and me. News flash my hot stud lover. My besty male friend is GAY!” She shakes her head at him and laughs.

“I know, I know but you hear  those stories about how gay guys are having sex with their best girl friends. Just forget about it. I should have known better. You guys are best friends and apparently you two can even read each others minds .” He gets up from the table and starts to walk into the kitchen when Devon say’s, “Man we really had you going though.”

Marc turned around before walking into the kitchen. “Well with you carrying on about it, that’s when I kind of started to clue in.”

“No Marc we really got you and Devon making that declaration about him and John took you way over the top.” Emmie said to him and she reached over to give Devon a kiss. “That’s my gay friendly husband.”

Marc walked out of the kitchen with a beer in his hand after hearing what Emmie said about Devon he said and  not wanting to be left out say’s, “I’m very gay friendly!”

Johns cell phone rings he walks away from the table to answer it. Sui-Lon starts to clear the table and Emmie and Devon jump up to help her. Sui-Lon thanks them but she tells Devon, “you stay here. I think that you should stay and help Marc regain his manhood.” Sui-Lon and Emmie burst out laughing again as they finished clearing the table.

John is still on the phone. “I’ll be there in a minute. And don’t leave the apartment. Calm down okay.” He pressed the off button on the phone. He stands totally still  for a moment and places his left hand on his chin and rubs it. Sui-Lon walked back in to take the table-cloth off the table and she glanced over at John. She walked over to him with a sense of urgency and looked him in the eye. “What’s the matter? What was that phone call about?”

“That was Hunter.”

“Rebecca’s little boy?”

Still appearing to stare off into space. “Yeah! Marc, Devon can you guys come up to Rebecca’s apartment with me? Hunter says that he got up to use the bathroom and that the door was locked. He went to his moms bedroom to wake her but she wasn’t there and he can’t find her.”

Marc and Devon immediately got up from the table. Sui–Lon told them that she was going with them. She yelled into the kitchen to tell Emmie that they were stepping out and would be right back. The four of them got on the elevator and rode it up to the  12th floor in total silence. When they got off and went to the door John knocked and a little voice from the inside asked “who is it?”

“Hunter it’s me John and the password that you gave me to let me in is DS.”  The door opened and standing in his pajamas was Hunter still half asleep and a little shaken. “Aunty John I can’t find mommy and the bathroom door is locked and I have to go.”

“Okay Hunter we’ll get you into the bathroom.”

Sui-Lon walked over to Hunter. She got down on her knees and gave him a big hug and she held him in her arms. “Where is your little brother?” She asked him. “He’s still in  bed asleep.”

John, Devon and Marc looked around the apartment for Rebecca and then they went to the bathroom it was locked. John knocked a couple of times but no answer. Marc pushed his body against the door a couple of times until it swung open. The three of them walked in and John walked out and over to Sui-Lon and Hunter. Sui-Lon looked up at him and she knew that something was wrong.

“Why don’t you take Hunter to your apartment to use the bathroom. As a matter of fact I’m going to wake Cole up and you can take both of them to your place.

Sui-Lon shook her head yes and kept on smiling. “Come on you guys can sleep in my spare bedroom. It has a big king size bed. You boys can be kings for the night.”

John walked into the bedroom and picked up Cole without waking him. He went back into the living-room and gently puts Coles little body into Sui-Lons arms. Hunter says to John. “You will tell mommy where we are when she gets home right Aunty John?”  John nodded  his head yes. “Now run along with Sui-Lon (he bends down and gives Hunter a hug and whispers to him) be good for Sui-Lon and take care of your brother.”

“Don’t worry John they’ll be fine…call me.” John nodded his head and winked at her. They leave and Hunter closes the door behind them.

John ran into the bathroom and finds Marc on his cell phone. It’s the second time I’ve called them. They claim that the ambulance is on its way. And look John I found this on the floor. He hands John a small bottle. John looks at it and puts it in his pocket. “Let’s keep this bottle that you found to ourselves for now okay.”

Devon is on his knees by the bathtub holding Rebecca’s hand.

“Is she still breathing?” John asked.

Devon put his hand to her mouth to feel her breath. “Barely and her pulse is very weak.”

“Shouldn’t we get her out of the bathtub?” John asked.

“The 911 operator said not to move her.” Marc said.

‘I don’t understand what’s happened here. Why is she in the bathtub with her blouse and panties on taking a bath.” John said shaking his head in dis-belief.

“How are the boys?” Devon asked.

“Sui-Lon took them to her apartment. They don’t know what’s going on.”

“What about Sui-Lon?” Marc asked.

“The boy’s were with us the whole time so I couldn’t tell her anything but she knows something is up.”

” Damn-it where are those paramedics? Devon yelled out and in panic he screamed “John I can’t get a pulse!!”

The doorbell rang. John ran to the door and hurried the paramedics and the police into the bathroom. The paramedics immediately went to work on Rebecca. They were able to get a very faint heat beat then they strapped her onto the gurney and as they were taking her out of the bathroom John told the paramedics that he was going with her. Devon and Marc followed them to the door and as they were about to walk out two more NYC policemen walked in.

“Excuse me which one of you called this in?” The policeman asked.

Without thinking Marc raised his hand like he was in class. He was about to say something when John interrupted him. He called out to the paramedics to ask them which hospital they were taking her too. One of the paramedics yelled back saying that they were going to St. Vincent’s on West 57th. John asked Devon to go on with her and that they would join him shortly.

The police officers continued on with  questions. “Are you related to her?”

Once again Marc was about to answer when John interrupted him.

“No  we’re friends. I live in the building.”

“So all of you were up here?” The second police officer asked.

“We were at a small dinner party at Marc’s girl friends apartment. Rebecca was invited. When she didn’t show I called her. She didn’t answer so Marc and I came up to see what was taking so long.”

The policeman asked him how he got into the apartment.

“Rebecca and I are best friends. I have a key to her place and she has one to mine.”

“So you just let yourself in?”

“We knocked a couple of times. Then I just used my key. When I saw the lights on and after calling out for her a few times we began to look around for her and that’s when we found her in the bathroom.”

“What is your last name?”

“Childs, It’s John Childs.”

“And what apartment are you in?”

“I live in apartment 14-M. Now listen I must get to the hospital to be with my friend.”

John and Marc walked away from the policemen. The policemen follow them onto the elevator they rode down in complete silence. When they exited the elevator one of the policemen says to Marc, “Excuse me sir I didn’t get your name?”

“My names Marc Weiner. I don’t live in the building though. My girlfriend lives here.”

John interrupted the conversation between them once more. “Listen we have to grab a cab. If you have anymore questions  you can reach me at this number.” John gave the police officer his business card. They ran past the doorman and ran outside to hail a cab which they got immediately. They didn’t speak to each other during the ride. The taxi driver dropped them off at the emergency room entrance They rushed inside and they are met by Devon.

“Tell me what’s happening. How is she doing? John asked.

Devon answered shaking. “They haven’t told me anything yet. They asked me a bunch of questions about her medical history and stuff. I told them what I knew. Of course you know her better than I do. Perhaps you should  speak to the nurse at the desk. (whispering) – I didn’t say anything about the bottle that we found on the bathroom floor.

Good and thanks! You two wait here. I am going to speak to the nurse and see if I can find out anything.”

“I’m gonna call Sui-Lon and fill her in.” Marc said as he reached for his cell phone.

“No need I already did. When I called Em, she got on the phone too. She does want you to call her and you too John. She said that the boys were asleep and not to worry about them.”

John walked up to the nurses desk to ask about Rebecca and the nurse asked who he was to her.

” I am a close family friend. We my friends and I brought her in.” When he says this a doctor walks out from behind the emergency room doors and ask the nurse who came in with Rebecca Krampf. John hears and responds immediately.

“I did. We did.” pointing to Marc and Devon. He waves them over.

“I am Dr. Wallach the attending physician. I am very sorry to have to tell you that the patient Ms. Krampf didn’t make it. I am very sorry we did all we could.

“What does that mean she didn’t make it? She’s dead?” Marc said in total disbelief.

Devon put both his hands over his face. He shook his head and whispers. “Oh my God!”

John stood completely still. Appearing  to be very strong and in control of his emotions he ask. “Dr. Wallach what happened to her? I mean what is the cause of death?

” She went into cardiac arrest and we couldn’t get her heart started again.”

” She’s a strong young woman. How could she go into cardiac arrest?”

“I can’t answer that right now. However due to the circumstances  the medical examiner has ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.”

Marc walks walk over to John to give him a hug but John pushes him away.

“How soon will we know what happened?” John asks.

“The autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow morning. As soon as it’s done we’ll know.”

“If you can release her body as soon as possible. She’s Jewish.”

“Absolutely . Who is her next of kin?”

“She has no immediate family. Her adoptive parents died some time ago. She is – I mean was an only child. Her husband died a couple of years ago. I’ll contact her in-laws.”

“Well once again I am sorry for your loss.” The doctor turns and leaves the three of them in the waiting area. John stands still in silence while Marc and Devon remain seated.

“

“Hunter take your little brother to the bathroom so that you two can brush your teeth before bed.” Hunter gave his mom the look. The look that say’s do I have to? Rebecca gave him the mother look back that said don’t even bother. Hunter waved his hand at Cole to follow him into the bathroom. Cole ignored him and continued playing with his DS.

“Mom , Cole won’t come with me. He won’t stop playing with his DS.”

Rebecca walked over to Cole and gave him the look . “Now you know that you guys are only allowed to play two hours a day with the DS and you played one hour this morning while getting ready for school and you’ve just finished playing your last hour. Now come on let’s go. It’s time to get ready for bed. Go to the bathroom with your brother and brush your teeth.” Cole reluctantly gave his mom the DS and she gave him a big hug and kiss then she tickled him on his stomach. He giggled and smiled at her while Hunter looks on tossing his eyes in the back of his head as he smacks the palm of his hand to his forehead . “Mom stop treating him like a baby. Gosh he’s eight years old now.” Rebecca picked up Cole and walked over to Hunter and runs her fingers through his very straight golden brown hair and say’s, “Yes and you’re ten years old and you are still my baby too.” Hunter takes his hand and put’s it on top of his mom’s hand. “Oh cut it out mom.” Smiling Rebecca say’s, “And you will continue to be my babies when you are all grown up and having babies of your own.”

She put Cole down and Hunter takes Coles hand and they start to walk towards the bathroom but just before they leave the room Cole turns around and say’s with a look of disgust on his face. “Yuck mom, I’m not having any babies.” then he stuck his tongue out like he was going to throw up at just the thought of it. “Oh come on!” Hunter says to him pulling him to the bathroom.

Rebecca smiled at them. She walked into her bedroom and turned on her computer. While waiting for it to come up she walks to the bathroom and peeks in on the boys.

“Mom I see you.” Hunter says with a mouthful of toothpaste.

” I know and don’t talk with toothpaste in your mouth.” She makes the same face that Cole made earlier exclaiming YUCK then she sticks her tongue out at them and makes a funny face. In the background she hears “You’ve got mal!” and before she goes into the her bedroom to check it she tells them, “Okay when you guys are done, off to bed with you. I will come in a few minutes to tuck you in all right?” They both nod their heads and both spit into the sink at the same time.

Rebecca walks into her bedroom  and she sits down at her computer. She opens up her email and reads them and responds very quickly to one in particular. She clicks to send it. Then she receives an instant message and she smiles.

(Instant Message Conversation)

Acetopper : Hi beautiful. Bath time?

R5factor6 : (lol) u know me too well.

Acetopper : Can I join u?

R5factor6 : You gotta ask?

Acetoppper : Kids sleep yet?

R5factor6 : They will be soon. I need to tuck them in.

Acetopper : So I’ll see you in about 15 mins.

Acetopper signs off before Rebecca can respond back.

Rebecca gets up and walks away from the computer still logged-on she walks to the boys bedroom  to find Cole on top of the covers already fast asleep while Hunter is reading his favorite book – Where the wild things are. It was his favorite book he must have read it a hundred times. “I was reading to him and he just fell asleep and I’m not even done yet.” He scrunched up his face as if to say “whatever!”

“Poor baby!” She said as she lifted him up and slides his body under the bed-covers. He still fast asleep as she gives him a kiss on the cheek. Then she walks over to Hunter and takes the book from him and puts it on the night stand beside his bed. She leans over to give him a big hug and kiss. “Now Hunter I know that you love to read and that this is one of your favorite books but do not let me catch you with a flashlight reading under the bed-covers okay.”

Hunter made another oh mom face. “Okay mom I won’t. I’m really tired.” He put his head on the pillow and closed his eyes. Rebecca kissed him again. On hr way out the door she turned off the lights. “I love you guys.

“We know mom! he giggles. We love you too.”

“You’re speaking for your brother?” She smiled some more. She loved that they always made her smile. She closed the door just enough to allow the light from the hallway to flow through into their bedroom. Then she whispered to herself put probably just enough for them to hear at least she hoped this in her heart. “Good night my boys love you forever.”

Rebecca went into the bathroom and turned the water on for her bath. Then she walked into the kitchen and reached underneath the sink for her aroma therapy candles. She also grabbed a bottle of Merlot from the kitchen cabinet and two wine glasses. She went back into the bathroom and got out her special  bath salts and poured it under the running water. She also added her very expensive aroma therapy bubble bath, with the tub half full and full of bubbles she turned off the water. Then she began her bath preparation ritual. She placed candles on the floor beside the bathtub two in front and two in back. She got down on her knees to light them. Then she turned off the bathroom light and left the bathroom door cracked. She un-corks the bottle of Merlot and pours some into the wine glass and places it on the floor beside the bathtub. She undressed and gently eased herself into the bathtub. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath to breathe it all in. She thought to herself. Maybe a little OCD but it works for me. Then she picked up the glass of wine and raised it to the air as if she was proposing a toast. She took a drink from the wine glass and then she poured a couple of drops into her bath water. She put the glass down, closes her eyes and totally relaxes. In the silence she hears a key turn in the front door  it opens and then she hears it close. Then the bathroom door opens.

“Hello Beautiful Guess who?”

Smiling her eyes still closed she say’s, “If I have to start guessing we’ll never get started. Now get out of those clothes and get in here with me.”

Already taking his clothes off he laughs. “I’m already ahead of you Bec.”

He walks over to the bathtub and kneels down. Rebecca eyes still closed hands him the bath sponge and as she leans forward for him to wash her back he gives her a long hard kiss.

After landing in Laguardia all Devon could think about was getting home to his wife so as soon as he picked up his luggage he got on his cell phone to call her. after about four rings he got her voice mail. “Em honey it’s me pick up.” He hung up and immediately calls her cell and when she picks up he screams into the phone. “Hi Honey boy have I missed you.” His wife Eminence was so happy to hear his voice that she screamed into the phone to him. “Hey baby. Where are you?”

“I’m at Laguardia.”

“You’re back early.”

“Yes I am, signed, sealed and back home to you.” He said almost cooing over the phone to her.

“So everything worked out okay?”

“Yes it’s official they signed the group and now I am both manager and executive producer. What do you think about that babe?” He said with a huge smile on his face.  Eminence screamed so loud that Devon was pretty sure that everyone in the airport could hear her. She was so happy for him and he loved her for it.

“Honey I am so proud of you. I love you so much.”

“I love you more. Let’s go out and celebrate tonight.”

“Oh honey I’m sorry I wasn’t expecting you back so early I’ve already been invited for dinner.” She said sounding very disappointed. Devon was a little disappointed too.

“Where are you honey?”

“I’m at Sui-Lon’s. She invited me down for dinner.” Sui-Lon walked into the living room to see what was keeping Eminence . She asked her who she was talking to. She told her that Devon was back early and Sui-Lon told her to tell him to come down as soon as he gets home. There’s more than enough for one more she told her.

“Honey Sui-Lon say’s there is more than enough food so drop your luggage off and come down.”

“Sui-Lon’s sweet. Okay babe I’ll be there as soon as I get done with the press. I can’t avoid them. I’ll give them a few sound bites. Then jump into the lime and be there as soon as I can. I can’t wait to be with you. Honey I love you so much.”

“I know. I love you too.” Eminence said giggling like a school girl with her first crush.

Devon hung up and as soon as he walked out of the airport the press starting gathering around him. Devon swallowed really hard. He knew he had to deal with them . He figured he better get this over with and also that he better get used to this so he waved them over and started taking questions. A reporter from NY-1 news called out, “Mr. Corrieri!”

Devon smiled that gorgeous smile of his, “Please call me Devon. Mr. Corrieri is my father, you’re dating me.” All the reporters laughed. The reporter from NY-1 continued.

“Thank you Devon. I understand that you just got back from signing the singing group “Seph” on the MTD recording label for an unheard of amount for a new group that has never recorded and the fact that they are all of european descent, singing hip-hop certainly has raised a few eyebrows in the industry. Care to comment?

“If you mean by european descent that they are a white group singing hip-hop, music has always crossed racial barriers since before I was born and dare I say (He smiles and winks at the reporter who asked the question) way before you were born. The reporters laughed. “and to respond to the rest of the question. “Seph” has been performing in NY clubs and the NY city club scene is fierce and the reception for them has been phenomenal. The MTD exec’s knew this and so hey you know the rest.”

Another reporter from Fox 5 news called out – “Devon you and your wife super model Eminence have been married for two years now. You are Italian American and she is African-American. You are the manager and now executive producer of an all white group singing hip-hop – some might say that you are a white man trying to be black?”

Devon shook his head and sighed. He hated theses ignorant type of question but he certainly knew how to answer them. “I love music and as I stated earlier, music crosses all racial barriers but let me also say that music is not a color, never has been a color. It’s art. I am not a white man trying to be black. I am a man who enjoys music/art. And with regards to me and my beautiful wife. I’m a man. She’s a woman and we love each other.”

The reporters all started talking at once – “That’s all. Thanks but I really have to go.” Devon left making his way through the reporters, photographers and onlookers. He walked to the curve and waved his hand for his limousine. The limo pulled up, the driver gets out and opens the door for him. He then puts the luggage in the trunk and gets into the car and begins to drive.

“Any stops along the way Mr. Corrieri? He asks him.

“No Milton and it’s just Devon remember.

“Yes! How are you feeling?

Devon settled into his seat,put his legs up, poured himself a glass of champagne from the fully stocked bar. “I’m feeling great Milton. Happy to be back in New York and I am looking forward to seeing my wife. Milton I’m going to close my eyes now. Please wake me when we get to my apartment.”

“We’ll do sir.”

Tommy was on the phone talking to his besty John who was watching and don’t laugh, A Lifetime movie. He would always refer to their advertising tag “Lifetime television for women and homosexuals was his add-on tag for the network. “Child, hmm well all I know is that I can’t believe that tramp.” Tommy waited for a response back from John and when he felt like it wasn’t coming soon enough, sounding all whiny and annoyed he said, “Bitch are you paying attention to me? I need attention!” John laughed to himself at his besty. Tommy was always going through some man-dating-boyfriend issue and when it wasn’t going just the way he thought it should be, he would get on the phone to John needing his ear.”Tommy you always have my continued patience and attention. So listen this situation is not that deep. You weren’t expecting that much from him anyway were you?”  Tommy sighed through the phone. “I know but still.” He paused for a moment he got up off of his queen size half made-up bed with the phone stuck to his ear waiting for John to give him more. He walked over to his desk and touched the power button to turn on his Mac. And when he figured John didn’t have anything more to give him he said, “Well yeah I guess but whatever, I don’t know.” There was silence between the both of them for what felt like a lifetime for Tommy. John knew that sometimes just saying nothing would help Tommy get through these crazy dating moments. which is why he allowed the long pregnant pause on the phone. Tommy sat down at his desk and stared at the monitor waiting for his computer to come-up. “Well I’m not calling him back!” He blurted out killing the silence between them. “Good you shouldn’t and why would you anyway? You said that you were over him so just let it go.”  “You’ve got mail!” This announcement causes John to sit up from laying down on his beautiful burgundy carpet. “Oh no, is that you going back on-line again? Isn’t that how this all started in the first place? You are turning into a chat-room queen.” Tommy was the other end of the phone with that cheetah grin that he is so famous for when he’s caught and has nothing to say but he pretended to protest. “I am not a chat-room queen. I am going to send him a nasty email to let him know that I am pissed.” He began typing away on his computer. While still sitting up on his burgundy carpet listening to Tommy’s insanity John’s OCD starts to take over and he spied small pieces of lent oh his carpet. He couldn’t help himself he immediately started picking them up from the carpet and with a look of disgust and annoyance he starts to shake his head then he frantically jumps up and goes to the closet. “Listen Tommy I’ve gotta go.” he says to him very abruptly. Tommy who was taken totally by surprise by this sudden need to get off the phone but knowing his besty all too well says, “wait a minute I’m not done yet. Where are you going child. I bet you’re going to go clean something. What is it this time the crevices of your already steamed shine oven? You are a mess, a neurotic mess! John opens the closet only half hearing what Tommy had to say he was stuck on his mission. He pulled out the high-powered Oreck vacuum cleaner and plugged it into the electrical outlet and before he turned it on. He heard himself saying to Tommy. “Well listen, I am an admitted neurotic and at least I admit my neurosis. I’m a clean freak okay.” He smiled to himself. Then in that moment of over the top OCD he caught himself just enough to give his besty some advice like he always did. “Listen write an email to this guy, get it all out but be as kind as possible and we’ll talk later.” And as he was about to click the off button on his phone and turn on the vacuum cleaner Tommy said, so as usual you are blowing me off in my time of need! You are a mess!” He threw his left hand up in the air all dramatic and rolled his eyes back into his head. “Whatever, I will call you later.” John smiled through the phone. “I love you. Tommy refusing to smile back feigned a “Yeah whatever I love you to Bye.”

John started to vacuum his carpet. He pushed it back and forth with a fluid motion as if not to disturb the fabric of the carpet. His only mission was to get up the very small pieces of lent and as he watched the lent being sucked up off the carpet by the ever so powerful Oreck vacuum that he happily spent $400 dollars on. He said it was money well spent. It did it all and it came with a lifetime repair guarantee. He smiled very contently and before he turned it off he takes a slow look around the living room to check to see if everything is in its place and of course it iss as usual. He turns off the vacuum cleaner, un-plugs the cord from the wall and carefully wraps the cord and puts the vacuum cleaner back into its proper place inside the closet, closes the door and then walks into his bedroom. He sat down at his desk and turned on his Dell laptop. “I wonder what Sui-Lon is up to? He smiled to himself and when the computer came up he begins to type. He checks to see if she is online but she isn’t so he begins to do some research on his novel.

Sui-Lon was in her kitchen making dinner for her sometime live-in boyfriend Marcus. She didn’t feel like cooking anything extravagant. Owning her own catering company found her around rich, spicy and delicious foods all the time so  tonight she wanted to cook something simple and easy. Simple and easy meant her very famous vodka ravioli and a caesar salad with her very own twist and secret dressing recipe. Marc called out to her from the bathroom. “Honey we’re out of toilet paper!”  Sui-Lon smacked her lips together, playfully annoyed she called back to him. “Marc we are not out of toilet paper.”  She left the kitchen, went to the bathroom door, opened it and walked right in. Marc was sitting on the bowl with his pants down around his ankles. He quickly pulled them up to his knees and his face turned beet red from embarrassment. “Honey you know I hate it when you come into the bathroom while I am using it. Why don’t you just tell me where the toilet paper is?” Sui-Lon cut her eyes at him and said, “Oh for God’s sake relax my hot stud lover.” She smiled at him in his embarrassment. She leaned over and kissed him on the forehead, then she reached underneath the sink for the toilet paper. “I don’t know why I always hide the toilet paper underneath the sink so that you can’t find it. And honey don’t forget to wash your hands.” She said with some sarcasm in her voice. She walked out of the bathroom leaving the door open behind her. Marc who was still clearly embarrassed yelled out to her and said, “I always wash my hands when I fluff.” “Yeah right! Sui-Lon yelled back to him. She had to laugh to herself though – “I have the only straight boyfriend in New York who  is so in-touch with himself that he actually says “fluff” when he takes a dump.” She heard herself laugh out loud.

On the way back to the kitchen to check on dinner she stopped by her office. She turned on the light switch, walked over to her desk and turned on her computer.  “Baby!” She heard Marc say. And then her computer came up telling her that she had mail. “Yeah baby I’m in my office.” Marc walked in and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “How soon until we eat?” He asked. Sui-Lon just kind of ignored the question. “Honey look John and Emmie are on-line” She sends John and instant message.

Sui-LonKit –  “Hi hun whats up?

A buzzing noise came from the kitchen it was the timer telling her that the ravioli was done. She jumped up from the chair. “Here honey sit here and chat with John until I get back. Don’t want your din-din to burn do we stud lover?” She patted him on the butt before he sat down. “Love that manly butt of yours.” She made a lewd slurpping noise.   “You’re a funny woman you know that Sui-Lon!” Then he smacked her on the butt. Now that’s a nice tuchus.” He said to her. Marc sat down in the chair and read Johns response to Sui-Lon’s instant message. With Marc IM’ing as Sui-Lon responds to John.

Instant Message conversation:

Shadowtimx2 – Not much. what’s up with you sweets.

Sui-Lonkit- busy making dinner hun.

Shadowtimx2 – Kewl, what’s cooking?

Sui-Lonkit – me baby I am on fire. Why don’t you come over and cool me off?

Shadowtimx2 – Girl don’t you have a bf to take care of that? (LOL)

Sui-Lonkit – now John how many times have I told u Marc doesn’t work it enough for me.

Marc was smiling to himself while writing that im.

Shadowtimx2 – I know girl but u know that u and I tried it a couple of times and it was great and all but we promised that we would never discuss  it ever again. What do you want me to do give Marc lessons?

Marc wasn’t smiling so much after that IM. He had a look of shock on his face and he began to type very fast.

Sui-Lonkit – No.. (lol) I am just joking. He’s really very good in bed. That thing  with you and me was a long time ago -way before I knew Marc.

Shadowtimx2 – Excuse me Sui.. what u have short-term memory loss? U brought this up again last week against my better judgement I might add. It was when I stopped over and u were begging for me…because Marc had left you as u said…wanting .. (LOL) but of course we discussed the friendship thing and of course me being gay…HELLO!!

Marc was getting pissed. He put his hand to his head to see if he was sweating because he was getting hotter with rage with each IM.

Sui-lonkit – Hey John why don’t you come over and have dinner. I’ve made a lot of food.  I gotta run something in the kitchen is boiling over.. see you in 15 mins.

Marc signed off before John could respond. He did this intentionally to force John into coming down for dinner. He got up from computer confused, pissed-off and annoyed. He could not believe the conversation that he just had with  John. He had something planned for him at dinner. He calmed himself and walked into the kitchen, put his arms around Sui-Lon while she was in the midst of pouring her special vodka sauce over her pasta.

“Honey come on sex in the kitchen again? What is this thing with you wanting to do it while I’m cooking.” She smiled, put the pot down and turned around to give him a kiss on the lips. “Come on now get out of here. Dinner is ready help me put it on the table.”

Marc reluctantly pulled away from her shaking his head at her. Sui-Lon hands him a platter of pasta and sauce and waves him towards the dining room. “Now that’s a good boyfriend.” And she winked at him.

Marc takes the food into the dining room and puts it down on the dining table. He walks over to the china cabinet and takes out another plate.  He places it on the table when he notices another plate already on the table. “Sui who’s the other place setting for?”

Sui-Lon walks into the dining room carrying the salad and some italian bread that she needed to slice and she puts them down on the table. “I invited Emmie over for dinner. I told you that already.” Marc shook his head no. “You most certainly did not!” He said to her.

“I most certainly did honey. I am sure that your old-timers is finally setting in because I mentioned it to you last night and again this morning before you left to go work on that movie shoot. Besides, what’s the problem? You love Emmie.”

“Of course I do honey but that’s not the problem. While I was on-line chatting with John I invited him to dinner.”

Sui-Lon was surprised. John is her best friend and he is known for turning down invitations unless it’s for a very special occasions. She knows that when he get’s in from  a very long day, he tends to want to stay in and veg. It would take an act of God or his literary agent to get him out of the “me” time zone.

“And he accepted?”

“Yeah he did.”

Sui-Lon shrugged her shoulders. “No big deal! There’s plenty of food. Lucky for you. I really think that we need to get you in for an MRI. I mean I tell you things and you always claim that I never told you.”

Sui-Lon took the plate from his hand which he was still holding and placed it on the table. Then she motioned Marc to go over to the drawer to get out some extra silverware. He hands it to Sui-Lon who places it on th table very neatly of course. “There all  set. Now what time did you tell John to come over?

“I told him about 10 or 15 minutes.”

Sui-Lon was still puzzled over the fact that John had accepted Marc’s invitation to dinner but she was very happy that he was coming over. “Well I don’t know how you got John to come over. You’re just a charmer I guess, after all you did charm me.” She reached over and gave him a big hug and a kiss.

Marc was finding it very interesting that she was all up in the air about John coming over for dinner especially after that chat that they had just had online. He was secretly fuming inside. “You seem extra happy that John is coming over for dinner. He’s been over for dinner numerous times.”

“Yeah well he’s my best friend and you know how he is sometimes. When he’s in – He’s in!!”

The doorbell started buzzing and Marc told Sui-Lon that he would get it. He leaves the dining room, walks to the door, looks through the peep-hole, puts on a big smile and whispers to himself – Show-Time!!

We have lost The Greatest Love of All! A lot of people who know me will be surprised to see that I used the word lost. When someone passes, that’s another word that I don’t use. I use the word die. It works for me. I understand the sentiment and meaning behind lost, passed, gone but I guess that I am old school. So I’ll stick with what I know. I remember where I was at the exact moment when I found out Whitney died. I eventually Exhaled and accepted what I heard and then my mind took me back to my childhood. I remember sitting in the living room, who am I kidding standing and dancing in the living room when the video of How Will I Know came on. Child, I was dancing all over the living room and just loving this woman. I was in VA Beach when I Want To Dance With Somebody had me dancing with everybody. When I moved to NY She had me All At Once. She had me falling in love many times  and before I did, she had me asking How Will I Know?  And when the break ups came she had me exclaiming Didn’t We Almost Have It All?. She also told me that when I was feeling down and out that Love Will Save The Day.

Whitney, I call her by her first name because we were close, Her music made me feel close to her, like she was the girlfriend I could talk to. Whitney could sing anything to me and I would believe and hear it! Whitney was my girlfriend when She told me  I  Believe In You And Me! Giving me back my spirit through her music. Whitney didn’t just sing a song, she became the song. The words flowed from her mouth like pennies from heaven. I remember watching her singing One Moment In Time and every note, every lyric and every movement of her body that she sang had me thinking that she was in spiritual contact with the universe and when she was done the audience leapt to their feet in applause and so did I sitting at home with chills running up and down my spine.  And as she always did when she sang live, she opened her eyes, took a bow, and applauded back to the audience with all the grace, class and style that came with that Voice of hers. Saying that Whitney was the soundtrack of my life who be a understaement. She helped me heal when I was in and out of love. She let me be Queen Of The Night when I needed to let my hair down.  She told me that I’m Every Woman and that it was all in me. Allowing me to get in touch with my feminine side helping me to stay out of the closet. Her greatest gift that she gave to me a long time ago was singing to me I will always Love You. So even in her passing I will know and cherish these words! Words I’d like to give Whitney, Thank you, doesn’t seem like enough but I’m sure that she could sing the words and from her voice a song would explode onto the planet creating another hit for the Voice. So Where Do Broken Hearts Go? Good question and I think I may have the answer, to the music that is Whitney that will live on until the end of time.

What are some of your favorite Whitney songs?

James Pearson

 It’s amazing what I saw while in beautiful New Hope a couple weekends ago minus the one day that it rained like there was no tomorrow. My other half and I, I was going to say better half, but why would I say that since we are both two very good halves making us whole. Now that’s one for those people who have had the right to marry for many years to borrow. Now where was I? Oh yes, the rain in New Hope on that Sunday was vicious bringing thunder and lightning at times. My partner and I were able to drive over the Delaware River Bridge from New Hope, PA into Lambertville, NJ in a matter of seconds – I loved that!  Lambertville, NJ sports a quaint little village not unlike New Hope with its many restaurants, art galleries and antique shops. Of course we only got to see them from our car because the rain was still coming down. We decided to cross the Delaware River Bridge back into New Hope. Low and behold the rain let up and the sun began to shine bringing some fierce humidity! We parked the car and strolled around downtown New Hope as we have done so many times before. It’s such a beautiful place, fun and relaxing at the same time and steeped in history. I read that it grew into a huge popular gay resort in the 1950’s. Which I absolutely love. Any place that welcomes gay’s with open arms is a place I want to be. Now I tell you that I tend to notice every thing that goes on in the world around me especially when I am away on vacation. It’s the way this writers mind works. I don’t always talk about it but I write about it and most times it winds up in my private journal.  This time I had to share because it gave me hope and at the same time maybe a little bit of sadness. I noticed that New Hope had more to offer in the way of antiques but this particular antique you don’t buy while in these shops you might however find them shopping  for antiques though. I saw old Gay men!

  That’s right real honest to goodness old gay men and I don’t mean 40’s and 50’s old gay men (You vain Queens) I mean 7o’s, 80’s and dare I say 90’s!  These older men were shopping in New Hope, hanging around the local bar/club Raven. Whether sitting around the pool area at Club Raven or singing songs at the piano bar, they were out living. Which happily showed me that AIDS is not so alive and well and poisoning the gay community like it did in the 80’s and 90’s! I know that HIV is still very prevalent in the gay community. I also know now that a lot of us managed to live through the epidemic. 

 It was really good to see these older gay men living out loud and very proud. It gives me hope! It let’s me know that when I get on in years that there will be others like myself to socialize with. To speak of good old times and continue to frolic and play! We have come so far so fast because when I was a small young closeted gay boy growing up in the south, I never saw an older/senior gay man! I barely ever saw one who was an adult and out of the closet. I assumed a lot of course but never really knew for sure! Today I know for sure and again it makes me happy. I just want this phenomenon to continue! I want us to live longer, to be old and wiser and to continue to love and cherish the idea  of  being able to live long fruitful lives!

 My concern living  in NYC and frequenting more gay clubs and venues than I can count or would even want to mention. Yet I have not seen a wonderful flock of aging gay men here like I did in New Hope. I need to know the reason for this it concerns me because I live here!  I have a need to know because thankfully I will be going down that path of aging soon not that I am rushing it though! I also want to know that we are keeping the flame of life still burning by acting responsibly and respecting one another by continuously using condoms so that we can be around for many long years to come.

 

 

James Pearson

OMG – I have not blogged in a couple of months! Did you miss me? Well I certainly missed me! I only blog when I feel inspired, empowered or feel as though I need to share an occasional rant! I’m not much of a ranter though! So it takes a lot to get my southern dander up! Which is pretty scary considering all that is going on in the world today that could get me pretty dandered! Not sure dandered is a word! I could have just made that up. I guess that I needed a break! Time to breathe, time to settle into life!

  A writer always has something to say but its most important  for this writer to feel and I guess that I stopped feeling the world so much! It can be rather treacherous this world. So creating positive out of negatives is clearly an essential must to carry along with you in today’s world!  So I had to take time to stop and stare for a couple of months and now I’m back! Feels good – So taking notice on this “feels good”spirit I think I found what I was looking for which is stopping to smile and to say congratulations to my best friend and his partner for two years of loving, laughing, caring, dis-agreeing, ups and downs,traveling and sharing their relationship with their friends who love them as well. Oh did I mention that it’s a Gay relationship? And they keep telling us that we can’t do it! We can’t love and we can’t have long-term relationships! We can’t get married, We can’t , We can’t! It’s a good thing that we know that We Can!  It seems the further we come out the more they want to push us back in the dark. I refuse to let them have my heart and soul! It’s no wonder that after going through all this “We Can’t,” We continue to push through the other side of the open door! I feel blessed to know that we as Gay people (One day soon we will just be known as people to the world). Thank God that we already know this other wise we would be a people of “We cants!” 

 Remembering who we are and where we can go and what we can achieve makes us stronger and can allow us our own freedom! Yes our own Freedom! We know Today that the possibilities that come with being Gay are limitless Thanks to those “We Can’s  that came before us!

  So let me once again congratulate My very dear friends who shall remain nameless but never limitless for two wonderful years together and may your happiness increase with each passing Gay – I mean day!

 

James Pearson

I was there, I saw it .

I was able to touch it from its inception.

It brought light unto the world.  

It spoke to me in resounding voices.

I heard it in a whisper and it was returned with a shout.

It was music and I heard every note.

It pierced through my heart like candles in the night.

Morning came and it still felt brand new.

A new year had begun and it still held close to me.

I can still remember the way my eyes felt when tears

fell from them on to my face.

Night continues to turn into day creating light.

Words translate into languages spoken and unspoken.

In the memory of remembering, one thing stands true to stand the

test of time and space,

LOVE!

I remember it’s beginning 

And it shall never end.

 

James Pearson 

 

 This year has already begun and yet I feel like I am at a stand still. With so much to look forward to in 2011 I find that perhaps I am a bit overwhelmed. What to do? What to do? Is the question. It seems I am always doing something but because it’s a New Year it doesn’t seem like it’s enough. Ideas of grandeur, extravaganzas, pomp and circumstance, a 21 gun salute – better make that 22. It is after all a New Year.

 Every thing falls into question for me in the New Year. Did I turn this corner correctly? Should I be taking all these vitamins or should I increase my green leafy vegetable in-take? Am I doing enough exercise? Am I running enough to qualify for the marathon this year? I am going to run the marathon this year right?

 Even the simple things in the New Year seem daunting. I don’t want to wear solid colors this year. I am thinking of switching it up a bit perhaps plaid would work? Ugh that is so 1960’s or was it 1970’s – no matter it is certainly not 2011 and that’s what I am reaching for the newness, new beginnings and brand new starts. Buy more dress shoes and get away from sneakers? Then what about running and the gym? Is casual dress still working for me or should I try to force myself into dressing up in a suit more often? Why for what reason? Who am I trying to impress? Try leaving my bed un-made when I get up in the morning, let the laundry sit for more than a week, leave dirty dishes in the sink for a few days. Yeah right just the thought of doing those things makes me want to vomit and then clean that up immediately too. I am a clean freak. Changing me in the New Year – Fascinating yes? Chasing dreams to find the real me in 2011.

 So then I start to question this New Years resolution idea. I resolve to become something that I am not because the New Year begs it to be so. I think not! I will however try to be the best that I can be. I will try to find a new road without trying to force someone else off of it. I will love and continue to be loved without asking for something in return. I will look both ways as I help someone cross the street. I will be just as defiant in life and it’s causes and how it will benefit the world and I will sleep a little bit sounder at night in this 2011 knowing that things can go wrong, life can repeat itself and whisper reminders stay in our dreams but the next 12 months march on with no regrets but with so much more to be thankful for and at the end of it I can say I told you so in 2011.

James Pearson

 A very good friend of mine just came out to his mother. He’s 32 years old. It actually turned out better than he thought it would – she already knew. I find that most mothers know!  He really went through it these past couple of days prior to telling her that he was born gay. That’s right I said it “Born Gay’!”

 I was born this way! There’s no denying it. When I came out of my mother’s womb, I was gay. It’s been that way since the beginning of time. Women have babies and some of  them are born gay and there is nothing that anyone can do about it. Not our parents, not doctors, not ministers and not even presidents. I was just born this way and there is nothing wrong with me.

 It still blows my mind that in 2010 the 21st century, that some people and I won’t name them, because if I did this blog would fill up all of cyber-space. Gay people are not sick, confused, immoral, damaged goods, an abomination, a curse, cursed, doomed to hell or one of my favorites, deserve what they get : AIDS, beaten up, gay bashed – that’s a phrase that those “people-groups” love.

 We were born gay different in the sense that we love people of the same-sex. There are a lot of us born this way. So in a sense we were created-born for each other. Wow, that’s something to think about! And there are a lot of us being born this way every day, all over the world. We are lawyers, doctors, teachers, artist, decorators, professional athletes, actors writers, politicians, policemen and women, firemen and women, mothers, fathers and dare I even say it, even animals!  My point once again, is that we are born this way. We were born into this world just like everyone else but we are gay.  I am gay and I am very happy with who I am because I was born this way and those who come after me will be happy because they will know after today that they were born this way too.

James Pearson