(aka FDOS/Adam and Erik Land)

Some say that being a gay teenager is the hardest thing in the world, even if you live the perfect life. That must make it even worse when you live a not so perfect life. A life where your mother tries to stab your father with a paring knife, and winds up in the loony bin for her troubles. A life where your father pulls you away from lifelong friends, and a lifelong home, and thrusts you into an environment you know nothing about. A life where the only thing you want is to be normal, and that's the thing you're furthest from.

They say that being a gay teenager is the hardest thing in the world, but it's not. Starting a new life after 17 years of the old one, that's the hardest thing....

Geranium after a family tragedy, Adam Ross is forced to move to Michigan. There he embarks on a new life. And there he meets someone who just might accompany him on his journey...
Lemon Geranium: Surprise Meeting

Wisteria on the day of their first anniversary, Adam reflects on he and Erik's first date...
Wisteria: Coridial Welcome

Tuberosa Adam and Erik go to great heights to find time alone, after Adam's dad interrupts their night with news of a free ski weekend....
Tuberosa: Illict Pleasures, Dangerous

Red Carnation the relationship of Adam and Erik meets its toughest challenge...(no more can be said without spoiling the story.)
Red Carnation: Poor Heart

Zinnia with college and a few state lines seperating them, Adam turns to his memories to be close to Erik, remembering the night of their Senior Homecoming...
Zinnia: Thoughtful and Recollection

Snowdrop as Adam embarks on his dream at a new University, the past returns to haunt the relationship of Adam and Erik...
Snowdrop: Consolation, Friendship in trouble

Author's Note: Renaming the First Day of School series was something I had thought about since writing the second chapter way back in 2000. I never planned for this story to be series when I wrote the first chapter of FDOS, so the title worked at that point in time. But as I wrote more, and the characters grew and changed, I realized that the First Day of School title could just not stand. It took me quite a while to come up with a title that I liked, but I have finally done it. And that title is Petals, from a song of the same name by Mariah Carey. The lyrics featured below are just a snippet of the song, that was really the immediate choice for this story when I listened to it in depth. The lyrics may seem strange, and you might think to yourself "This song has nothing to do with this story!" But if you really pay attention, and read the lyrics closely, you will realize that they can all be associated with a part of the story.

As for the renaming of chapters, this was an idea that came along with the Petals title. For this story, petals represent a different chapter in the life of Adam and Erik. And each petal comes from a different flower, a flower whose meaning speaks to that chapter of their life. Some of the flowers don't have names that necessarily scream story (i.e. "Geranium"), but the flower represents wonderfully both the chapter, and the Petals name. I sincerely hope that this doesn't provide much confusion, and that you are able to go on enjoying the FDOS, now Petals series as you have for the two years it has existed. Thank you for all the support you have shown this story over the years, and I hope that you enjoy the new name, and the new chapters that are sure to come.

Much Love,

James

Mariah Carey "Petals"
Used Without Permission

I've often wondered if there's
Ever been a perfect family
I've always longed for undividedness
And sought stability

A flower taught me how to pray
But as I grew, that flower changed
She started flailing in the wind
Like golden petals scattering

And I miss you dandelion
And even love you
And I wish there was a way
For me to trust you
But it hurts me every time
I try to touch you

But I miss you dandelion
And even love you