Yeah, Right...
Ch. 4: Special Sauce
“So are there a lot of hot chicks at your school?” JC asked Lance, from the passenger seat in Lance’s 4-Runner.
“Sure, I guess, I never really look..” Lance said absent mindedly. JC gave Lance an odd expression and Lance added, “Well, you met Bethany, she’d kick my ass.”
JC laughed, “You're probably right.”
That was way too close. Lance thought as he pulled into the parking lot at Austin High.
“Well, here she is. Kinda looks like a prison, huh?” Lance said getting out of the car.
“Yeah, it kinda does.” The large four story, plain white highschool loomed before them, as they got their backpacks out of the passenger seat.
“Well, we have to make a quick stop by the office to pick up your schedule. I'm pretty sure you're gonna have most of your classes with me though.” Lance locked the car and guided JC into the building and towards the office.
The secretary in the office smiled and her eyes wrinkled through her coke-bottle glasses as she retrieved the schedule for JC.
“Here you go, sir.” The elderly lady handed him the sheet of paper.
“Good” Lance said, looking over JC’s shoulder at the schedule, “It looks like you have all of your classes with me, except Choir, you have gym then, but I’ll show you where it is.”
“Sounds cool.” JC replied.
The ten minute warning bell rang throughout the school, causing it to come to life as the students found their first period class.
“C’mon, time for English.” Lance led JC down the crowded hallway and into the classroom. As soon as they entered the class, Lance swore he saw several of the girl’ jaws drop. Lance had forgotten what an amazing sight JC was at first. Huh, at first. Lance was still amazed. Today, JC had made sure that he looked good too, dressing in a fitted pair of jeans and a black turtleneck. He was a sight.
JC caught on quickly and everyone seemed to like him right off the bat. Lance knew he wouldn't have a problem, but he made everything look so easy. The entire day he flashed his breathtaking smile and watched the girls hearts melt, the guys burn with jealousy, and the teachers swoon at his impeccable record. Lance felt physically ill. Finally, the last bell of the day rang and Lance was more than ready to get the hell out of there.
“Hey, Lance.” Bethany cooed as she walked up to his locker, “So, how did you like your first day at Austin High, JC?” Bethany inquired.
“it was great. Everyone here is really nice.” JC seemed genuinely pleased.
“I’m glad -” Bethany was cut off by a girl with short baby-blue hair, who strode up beside her.
“Oh, you must be Lance’s hot friend. Wow, Beth, when you say hot, you meant hot.” Lynn placed her hand on JC’s chest.
“Oh, nice to meet you by the way. I’m Lynn.” she greeted JC, “And I know you're wondering, but, I’m taken, hot stuff.” Lynn smirked. As if on cue, Lynn’s girlfriend, Stella, slung her arm around Lynn’s shoulders and placed a light kiss on her cheek. JC seemed more than a little surprised.
OK, time to go. Lance thought. “Well, JC and I, uh, have to go, now catch y’all later.” He motioned with his hand for JC to follow him. God, why are my friends doing this to me? Lance moaned inwardly as he heard a way too cheery voice practically chirp his name.
“Lance!” The unfamiliar voice called, but was soon identified with a springy cheerleader, who’s, Lance guessed, name was Hannah.
“Hi, I’m Hannah!” Lucky guess. “I wanted to give you this,” she slipped a piece of paper into JC’s hand, “Its JC, right? Give me call sometime.” She winked and skipped off. Lance felt like screaming obscenities down the hallway after her, but refrained when he saw the satisfied grin on JC’s face as he read the note and phone number. Jesus, I’m gonna vomit. Lance continued to walk towards the exit and his car, JC tagging along.
“So, that Lynn girl, is a..a..um, lesbian?” JC asked, obviously uncomfortable.
“Well, I actually think that she’s bi, but, yes, her and Stella are dating.” Lance answered, trying his best to seem casual, cool. Its no big deal, you're just talking about homosexuality with your dream man..oh god.
“I guess its just strange. Nobody at my old school, was, uh, ‘out’, I guess.” JC continued.
Lance really wanted to change the subject. He was beginning to break into a sweat.
“But, that's cool though, you know, whatever. Lesbian action is hot anyway, right?” JC chuckled.
“Right, sure is.” Lance smiled. Oh my god, two sets of boobs...
“Just as long as no queers ever try to hit on me; I’m ok.” Lance swerved, almost running up on the curb.
“Sorry. Um, I don’t think you have to worry about that.” Lance’s voice was shaking.
“Why not? You don’t think I’m hot enough, or something?” JC questioned slyly.
“No..yes..well, I don't, uh, know..it’s just, well..” Lance scratched his head, nervously “I don’t think that there are any gay guys at our school.” Except one.
“Well, that's a relief, huh?” JC hit Lance’s arm playfully as they pulled into his driveway.
“Yup, sure is.” Lance sighed as he put the car in park. He needed a drink.
“So what do you like to do?” JC asked, as he plopped himself down on the bottom bunk.
“Whaddya mean?” Lance sipped on his orange juice, he was confused.
“Well, like, the other night, we spent forever talking about me, but I want to know you. What do you like to do?”
“Well..” You mean besides rent gay porn? Lance laughed to himself. “I, like to play piano, and and I sing a little, that's why I’m in choir...and..” Lance didn't really know what else.
“Wait, you mean you play that piano?” JC pointed towards the piano in the corner of Lance’s room. “Play something for me.” He commanded.
“What? Oh, god, no..When I said play I meant tinker, there’s a difference.” Lance shook his head.
“Well, then tinker something for me. C’mon, I wanna hear, and sing too, while your at it.” JC was practically whining.
“You’ve got to be kidding.” Lance’s green eyes sparkled as he laughed.
“Nope.” JC got up from the bed and pulled out the piano bench, and pointed his finger for Lance to sit, “Play. Now.”
Lance sighed and gave in, standing up and walking over towards the piano.
“What do you want to hear?” He asked as he sat down at the bench.
“Anything.” JC exclaimed, excited at his victory.
“Ohhkay..” Lance’s low voice moaned as he began to press lightly agianst the keys, forming the smooth opening jazz chords to “My Funny Valentine”.
After the introduction, his bass voice began to sing along with the familiar chords. He had no idea what had possessed him to actually do this, but he was, and now he was so lost in the music he was making, he didn't care. JC sat spell-bound by the boy at the piano. It was the most beautiful thing he had heard in a long time. The simple melody of the jazz song and Lance’s deep, full voice just seemed to flow like warm molasses, and completely surrounded JC, capturing him, as Lance continued the song. As he finished, Lance looked back at JC hesitantly. Oh, god, he’s not saying anything.
“I wish you didn't have to stop.” JC finally spoke, slowly. “That was astounding, you're a beautiful piano player and singer. Wow.” JC was truly amazed. “And you said, you just tinkered.”
Lance could feel a blush creeping up his neck and heating his cheeks.
“Well, I’ve been ‘tinkering’ for ten years now.” he said shyly, biting his bottom lip.
“Its shows.” JC smiled so warmly, it seemed like the smile was meant for only Lance, “Plus, I love jazz.” He added.
“You do?” Lance seemed more than a little surprised.
“Yes. Why so shocked? What did you expect me to like?”
“I..I dunno.” Lance stuttered.
“Well, Coultraine, Armstrong and Billie Holliday are my favorite. But I'm also really into fusion jazz. Have you ever heard of Me’shell Ndegeocello or G-Love and Special Sauce?”
“Oh, my god, you have to be shitting me,” Lance chatted excitedly, “I love both of them! Wow!”
He couldn't believe that they had something common. He couldn't believe that maybe they would actually be friends. Maybe things aren't gonna be so bad after all.