When Terry turned eighteen, he became homeless, abandoned by family and friends for being gay. Though it took him years, he has found his feet again. Then, a man from his past knocks him right back down, dredging up a memory of the time Terry stood by and did nothing as that same man was assaulted for being gay, driving home to Terry that he will never be worthy of friendship or family.<br><br>Ishmael is shocked, angry, and hurt at seeing Terry so many years after high school. After Terry’s apology, however, Ishmael realizes that Terry is hurting and scarred, too. He and Terry become cautious friends. Ishmael wants to help, but Terry is reluctant to trust anyone with his pain, let alone love.<br><br>Can Ishmael and Terry get over their past for a future together?

Remember Me Not, My Love

“I’m so sorry,” I said, yet again.


“You said that already,” he replied. I looked at him. I wasn’t sure about the expression on his face, but it might have been reluctant amusement at my almost incessant apologies. There was nothing more I could say anyway. My tea sat untouched. I grabbed my backpack and got up from the table.


“Okay then. Well, thanks for being willing to hear me out. I gotta go catch the bus. You have a good night.”


As I grabbed my cup, he said to me, “Hey, Terry Conway. How come you don’t have friends? What happened to all your rich buddies? And why the hell are you working in a fucking shoestore? Shouldn’t you be working your way up the ranks at something corporate by now?”


Maybe he needed to give me some of the hell I’d caused him in the past. Whatever the reason, I had nothing to hide. I shrugged as I turned to walk away and said, “I came out.”


Chapter 5