School Days

Part 2
 

Oakdale High took pride in presenting a wide array of guests to share their expertise in a variety of professions.

Despite his less than stellar memories of his teen years at the school, Luke had stepped in and volunteered quite early in the season to explain what it meant to run a charitable foundation and run a large scale international shipping business. He was convinced his visit to the school had caused his little brother to be targeted. As much as Luke knew he wasn’t a flaming fag, he was also aware that he was obviously gay.

“Reid, are you sure it’s a good idea for you to go to the high school? The last thing we want to do is give those asshole jocks another reason to bother Ethan. Did you see how nervous he was when he left this morning? That’s not him. He’s normally laid back.”

“Yeah, maybe I should be concerned... he even combed his hair today so we could see his eyes. He must be panicking.” Reid tilted his head. “I told you I would make the situation at that ridiculous provincial public school better, not worse. Do you trust me?”

“I’m trying to, but my concern for--”

“Stop being such a worrier. You sound like Emma.”

“Actually, I sound like more like my mother. I kind of wish she and my dad were around, especially now. They’d know how to fix this.”

After swallowing a bite of one of the apple fritters Emma had baked for them, Reid ghosted his fingers up and down Luke’s arm and held his hand. “The truth is, if your parents were here, we wouldn’t have this issue. Ethan would be with them.”

“And Natalie would have her mother rather than her grandmother and aunt.” Luke blinked back the moisture he felt building in his eyes. “They’ve been gone so long, but it still feels like yesterday.

“I’m not sure anyone really completely gets over this kind of thing. You just move on and do your best with what you have.”

“Says the man who’s only visited his mother twice since we met.”

“That’s two visits more than I ever planned to make thanks to you.” Reid shook his head. “Anyway, back to the kid.”

“I can’t believe you still call him the kid.”

“Some habits die hard. As I was saying, I promise not to embarrass him or draw any more attention to him than he has already had.” Reid sighed. “God, I hate those boots he likes to wear. They look like he’s in combat training.”

Luke laughed. Sometimes Reid could be such a geek. He wished he’d known science nerd Reid when he was younger. “Okay, but just give your lecture, gross out the kids by showing them detailed slides of the human brain, and get out without any bravado.”

“Me, bravado, never. I’ll be my usual humble self.”

“Maybe we should move to another state. After today changing schools might not be enough for Ethan.”

Reid planted a whopper of a kiss squarely on Luke’s lips, leaving him feeling happily dizzy from the touch. “Ethan’s got a great mom in you. You’ve been amazing at raising him. And I’m not too terrible in the dad department either.”

Luke poked Reid in the ribs. “Why am I the mother?”

Smirking, Reid walked out the door without answering.

 

*~*~*~*~*
 

Luke discreetly walked into the Oakdale High School auditorium and sat in the back corner of the last row. He knew he should trust Reid more, but his curiosity got the better of him. Reid had a plan of action -- that was evident, and Luke didn’t want to miss how the events of the morning would play out.

The students in the freshman and sophomore classes, all four hundred of them, filed in row by row with teachers trying to keep them from leaping over seats or skipping seats to sit with their friends from other classes.

Luke thought about the love/hate relationship he’d had with high school -- this school. He’d found writing, found Kevin, found himself, lost Kevin, and nearly lost himself. It had been a trying time and Luke was glad he didn’t have to relive it. He was even happier thinking about the life he’d built with the man setting up a power point presentation on the stage.

Reid was everything. He was a lover, a mentor, a savior, a foil, everything, although Luke would never let on he had such sappy thoughts. It would probably make his partner hurl.

The vice principal introduced Reid. As was the custom he didn’t indicate whose parent he was. Since his name had nothing to do with Ethan’s none of the students would make the connection. One less obstacle for the day.

In his usual caustic way, Reid blatantly illustrated how long and hard you have to work to be a brain surgeon, reminding the students that unless they were gifted and talented geniuses they probably shouldn’t bother to even attempt a pursuit of medicine as a career path.

Wanting to remain unnoticed in his isolated corner of the room, Luke made sure to snicker under his hand so no one would be able to hear him, thus avoiding attracting attention to himself.

Reid went on to make it crystal clear that the medical profession should never be entered into for the money, despite the fact they could do worse.

The obligatory disgusting slides of the brain and a variety of types of brain tumors were flashed across a large screen. The students’ reactions were divided, half screaming in terror and disgust, the other yelling ‘cool’ and cheering.

Assuming the presentation was nearing its completion, Luke prepared to quietly leave the room, but then Reid sprang his surprise on not only the audience, but Luke as well. He remained still, eyes riveted on the stage.

“Ladies and gentleman,” Reid began, “and I use both terms questionably from the looks of all of you, I have a special honor for each and every one of you for today, and today only.”

Despite his distance, Luke spotted Ethan. His little brother slouched in his seat, running a hand through his hair.

“There are easily detected signs, even at your young age, of severe and certain brain damage. I’ve generously arranged, at no expense to you or your parents, to offer consults with any of you who might be concerned by any of the symptoms I’ll now reveal.”

Reid splashed another power point slide on the screen. Luke had seen Reid’s presentation a number of times for prospective hospital donors, but had never seen this component.

“This list, currently in the preliminary research stage, illustrates some signs that brain trauma is indicated and should be addressed immediately.”

Luke’s eyes narrowed as Reid itemized several indications that might need further investigation, such as frequent migraines, persistent dizziness, and a variety of conditions that compromise blood flow.

“This last item is one that the researchers have begun to explore and are finding some surprising results.” Reid pointed to the last bulleted item on the list. “The act of bullying can be interpreted as a strong indicator of developing tumors in the frontal lobe of the brain. Some extreme researchers actually view this as a reason to revisit the concept of the pre-frontal lobotomy.”

Eyes wide, Luke covered his mouth as he nearly choked on his own saliva trying not to laugh out loud at the ridiculous medical mumbo jumbo. He couldn’t believe Reid could keep a straight face. Luke grinned from ear to ear, watching as a number of students started squirming in their seats.

Reid continued his presentation, scanning the expanse of students as he spoke. “Any of you who seem focused on specific acts of aggression, whether on a person or person’s property could be experiencing subtle symptoms that might cause a future aneurism. The researchers are still investigating all the ramifications of these behavior indicators, but a sure way to ensure that the brain remains in an acceptably healthy state is to consistently refrain from said activities. If unable to refrain, then this could be a sure sign of the need for brain surgery in the near future.”

Listening with amusement at Reid’s seemingly serious double-talk, Luke spotted Ethan pound the fist of the pink haired boy sitting to his left. Neither spoke but the action screamed volumes.

From his position at the podium, Reid turned off the computer. “That brings my presentation to an end, you’ve now all benefited from my expertise. Consults will be arranged through the school office in fifteen minute intervals for the next couple of hours, after I take a well earned break. You’re getting an opportunity to meet with one of the best. Normally it’s a six month wait for a fifteen minute appointment with me.”

The students all clapped, but Reid didn’t acknowledge them as he shut down his laptop.

After the auditorium had emptied, Luke remained silently in his seat, hoping to leave unnoticed.

“Hey, Mr. Snyder. Did you think my partner radar was out of commission?”

Luke chuckled. He stood up and walked down the aisle of the empty auditorium. “You knew I was here?”

“From the moment I walked onto this poorly lit excuse for a stage, I spotted you. It’s my job to miss nothing. And it’s my personal responsibility and pleasure to never miss you.”

“I love you, Reid.” Luke laced his fingers in Reid’s wavy locks, pressing their lips together.

“You love me because I scared the shit out of a bunch of stupid jocks?”

“No. Well, yes, that... but because you really are my everything.”

“That’s a pretty cheesy line for a once and future writer.”

“I know, but it’s the truth.”

“It’s my truth too, Luke.”

Luke felt heat creep up his cheeks. “Good. I’ll see you later, after you’ve held a series of unnecessary consults.”

Reid grinned. “Ethan’s worth it, and so is our peace of mind.”

“I really do love you.”

“I’m convinced, and I’ll be sure to convince you how much I love you later.”

“I guess I’ll meet you at home. The Foundation can go on without me for a morning.”

“I’ll make it worth your while, Mr. Snyder.”

“I’m counting on it.”
 

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