Ch 4 Song and Dance

            Flamers was no ordinary gay bar. It was an outrageous, over-the-top, hotspot for drag queens and performers could showcase their talent either for money or for charity. And the name Flamers suggested a saturated clientele of flamboyant men. It was noon, Ronnie and Will entered the place looking around confused, they’ve never been inside without strobe lights everywhere and loud music pumping through the walls. Will was wearing his D & G shades, a baby blue beret, a purple tank with orange capris. Unlike common gay culture, Will liked to wear colors that clashed with the season. He would wear watery pastels in the fall, bright pinks in the winter, dark and shadowy tones in the spring, and in the summer he would wear black in rebellion. Ronnie on the other hand wore a simple red cardigan, his boyish insecurities are what plagued his creativity. Will had terrible bags under his eyes and sought to cover them up, he was up all night thinking about what Bradley Haines had whispered to Shawn, and he was also thinking about Jeremiah’s Angelic face.

“How can I help you boys” Said the bartender. Ronnie and Will approached the bar, they were quite cautious as they were both one year away from buying drinks.

“We’re looking for Irene” Said Will

“Irene? You mean Bernard?” 

“She likes to be referred as Irene”

“He hasn’t been here in a while” The bartender walked away while wiping the counter. Ronnie and Will stepped away from the bar.

“That’s odd, she’s usually here rehearsing, I’d imagine she’d always leave this dump. Maybe she did, that bitch moved to Miami without telling me-“

“Will what are we gonna do the drag show is tomorrow and we only have you and Virginia Hamm” 

“Calm down, I’m on it. Irene couldn’t have left town without telling me” Will pulls out his phone, he had painted his nails teal. “Rhonda? Sweetie, where did-“ Will starts walking out of the bar.

“Hey don’t leave me in here!”

Bradley surveyed the crowd of runners on the track team. Among them was Jane, her red hair tucked away in a ponytail, no sport bra could contain her large endowment, her breasts demanded attention and Bradley was no eyesore. He recalled when he had pushed her, he briefly felt her soft bosom in his palm. How he stared at her, all he needed to do was howl in order to fulfill his animalistic nature. Bradley pushed himself out of his beastly instinct, no amount of desire and lust would sway him from his holy convictions. he returned to the football field. 

Jane and the other runners stopped for a break and she noticed Bradley out in the middle of the football field. She hated him. ASB did not hear the case she filed against the crusaders, they had influence over. For a second she thought she was fighting a losing battle. All that fueled her was her beloved brother, Albert.

Will and Ronnie arrived at Irene’s apartment. They were on the second floor of an old peach building that opened up on the bad part of town. Will knocked on the door with a clumsy rhythm as if it was a passcode. 

There was no answer.

“Will, he’s not here let’s go”

‘Wait up, you little sissy, you know nothing bad will happen to you in these parts of town, as a little girl my mother used to say that the parts of town that look ugly are really only because they’re poor… oh God we might get mugged”

“What?!”

“Are you boys looking the cross dresser guy?” An old woman from next door came out of her apartment, she seemed about her late 60’s.

“uh yes, yes we are” Said Will with big fake smile.

“That fellow was found dead just few days ago, dead in his apartment”

Will and Ronnie gasped a big gasp. Especially Will. Irene was a talented drag queen, he was a modern drag, no older than Will, he would’ve gone to the majors for sure, at the time Will was thinking that the duet he was planning was ruined.

“But how? What happened?” Ronnie asked. 

“It was Mrs. Johnson downstairs who had found the ceiling was drippin with blood, so she um, called the cops, and aint no one seen the body, theyd cover it up an everything. They’re saying that the fellow might have killed himself from being a queer, they do that a lot, I seen it on the news. Hey, you two fellows aren’t queer, are ya?” The old woman glared at them in suspiscion. Ronnie and Will looked at each other, they turned around and walked away. They would never answer that question to a person like that. They thought they were too young to take judgment from old, close minded ignorant folks who were living in other times.  

‘Well what are we gonna do now? How come they didn’t know he was dead at the club?” Ronnie asked Will as they walked down the stairs. 

“Ugh, my duet is ruined!”

“Will!” he slapped him on his back.

“ow! hey, we’re probably the first ones to know!” 

“This is weird, we knew Ben, he wouldn’t commit suicide… would he?” 

“Of course… oh sweetie, im ashamed, I didn’t know her that well” 

“Well, were just gonna have to beg someone else to perform-“

“Oh I am not going out with Bertha again, he smells like cheesy cabbages” Will walks ahead of Ronnie speeding out of the sidewalk.

“Hey, wait!”

Olivia and Regina sat in a wooden baroque office, there were paintings on the wall, and crosses all over the walls and on the desk. There was a bookcase behind the desk, a tall man wearing all back was facing the books. Reverend James turned to face Olivia and Regina. He had the countenance of a holy man, a righteous individual, and one who would fight for his convictions. He looked a few years over 40, he was thin, wore glasses, with dusty brown hair and a mustache that would put Burt Reynolds to shame. 

“You know what I think we should do?” Reverend James said it in a soothing grandfather tone, from a glance he seemed like a nice man. Olivia and Regina were paying close attention. 

“I’m tired of these homosexuals just recklessly infecting the good morals of the school, if they don’t want to help themselves, if they deny their sin, if they rebel… what are we going to do about it? How are we going to deal with them? I told the deans and the school board I’m even awaiting response from the governor of Florida, they won’t do anything. They’re just going to let these AIDS infected sodomites run around infecting regular people, recruiting our young and demoralizing our values… I’ve talked to the entire parish here in the county and over to our sister parish in Miami and they agree that we should take action on this issue” Reverend James sits down confidently and leans his elbows onto the desk with his hands cupped together and touches them with his lips.

“That’s why I need you girls to take care of DeMille for me, I want you girls to take initiative, you need to get out there and do what you need to do so that we can make it a school of well repute.”

Olivia whimpered a little after he had finished his sentence. 

“What is it Olivia?” He asked.

“Well, I’m not entirely sure but I think, um, Brad might have something planned, he hasn’t told me yet, but I know he told Shawn” She struggled as she spoke, she had an underlying fear of Reverend James, she feared him like she fears spiders, with a religious fervor. 

“Hmm, well for now I want you girls to make the club bigger, we need more people to get involved with this cause” He said as the girls nodded their heads religiously. 

Teddy wore his favorite Star Wars t-shirt. He was taking an afternoon stroll with Gemma, they had known eachother for a while, they both enjoyed to play MMO’s. They were out on the quad, which looked like a springtime garden in September. Gemma refused to accept the term but she was Teddy’s hag, he was the right balance of homosexuality. Not too flamboyant like Will and not too straight-acting like Albert and Melvin. In turn, Teddy was the most depressing and pessimistic homosexual this side of the galaxy. Gemma always had to squeeze out sympathy for him, talking about how he’ll never find someone, and how he’ll die alone. They were walking along the concrete path until they reached the café where teddy saw Jeremiah talking to his cousin, Olivia. 

“Alright here’s your chance, once Olivia walks away, you gotta go talk to him.” 

“I, I can’t, what would I even say to him? I’m not that good with conversations”

“Teddy, if you don’t go talk to him, I’m going to tell everyone in Dragon Quest that you’re gay”

“You wouldn’t… would you?”

Jeremiah sat in the café overlooking the quad, his cousin, Olivia, was ranting in front of him. He looked uneasy, nervous, and annoyed. He didn’t want to be there. Perhaps it was the fact that he was disturbed by Olivia’s notions. 

“Jay, you have to join the crusaders, we need more people on our side, you’re not on the side of the queers are you?” 

“No… But that doesn’t mean I’m on your side either-“ 

“Jay thats not fair! We’re supposed to be family; you’re supposed to have my back!”

“I’ve got other things to worry about, I don’t have time to join your little club. I know we’re family, and I have your best interest at heart but I just don’t the time nor the patience”

“Oh, I see. Tell me Jay, when did you become a fag enabler?!” Olivia said as she got her things and left Jeremiah sitting there alone.

Teddy took his chance and quickly approached the table before he decided to leave. 

“Heya, Jeremiah, how’s it going?” 

Jeremiah took a long stare at Teddy. Teddy started to imagine the worst. All sort of ramblings were going on in his head. he probably was offended that I approached him. I knew I shouldn’t have spoken to him. What if he’s a total jerk. Dammit why did I listen to Gemma?

“Original trilogy or prequels?” he asked Teddy

“Huh?” Teddy was dumbstruck. He took a minute to think about it. “Oh my shirt! Right. Original trilogy definitely.” 

“Have a seat” he said invitingly

Teddy looked back at Gemma who waved back in approval.

It was 30 to ShowTime. Will tumbled inside the dressing room in a frenzy. He was busy running around telling everyone that Irene was dead. He loved spreading gossip, even dreadful things like death. The dressing room was a long thin and colorful room filled with wigs sashes and glitter. On the end of the dressing room, there was someone sitting in front of a mirror, wearing a bald cap and taking off heavy make-up from his face. He looked at Will then suddenly jerked down and covered his face. Will noticed and caught a glimpse of his face before he could hide. Will stared ominously trying to recall his memory. 

“Do I know you?”

The guy said nothing as he started to scrape his make-up off. He was tan, Latino, that was when it hit Will.

“You’re one of the thumpers!” Will exclaimed as Enrique Machado quickly grabbed his things and went for the back exit. Will remembered that night that Shawn was about to hit him, he remembered Enrique was among the crowd. Undoubtedly Will wanted to chase after but he was not, for the world, going to delay his performance. He quickly sat down and began applying his foundation, working as quickly and as efficiently as he could, although you can never rush perfection. 

As soon as his make-up was done he unlatched his briefcase containing his Liza wig, which was beautifully perched on a mannequin. He slipped it on along with a turquoise corset, and some knock off Christian Louboutins. 

The famous melody of ABBA’s Gimme Gimme Gimme started blasting through Flamers. The stage was lighted and out came Annita Mann wearing a shining corset and a sash. She could see the hyped crowd, she could see Ronnie and Teddy cheering for her. She looked beautiful as she posed and swayed onto center stage . The lyrics came on and she opened her mouth into a microphone as she created a beautiful illusion. Her red lipstick protruded as her movements were elegant and sassy. 

“Gimme Gimme Gimme a man after midnight, won’t somebody help me chase the shadows away. Gimme Gimme Gimme a man after midnight Take me through the darkness to the break of the day” 

Finally She thought. It was her time, all eyes on her, adoring her, cheering her on. She lived for the performance. The bridge came on and she was hoisted up by two muscle men she posed as she was flying through the stage being carried by these muscular shirtless men. She finished the song with finesse, by the end of the song confetti fell off the ceiling crowning the end to a perfect performance. She was elated there was no other supreme feeling that was this.  She mourned as the song ended, the moment was over.

Will was sitting in the dressing room taking off his eyelashes as Ronnie entered the room.

“Will! Oh my God! That was amazing! You we’re magnificent! You almost looked like an actual girl” 

“Bitch. I’m not that fishy. Besides, it didn’t last that long, I wish I could be up there all night”  Ronnie chuckled.

“Don’t worry, they’ll be plenty more where that came from, anyways Teddy needs to get home a.s.a.p. and I got a Quiz first thing in the morning so I’m gonna head out” 

“Okey dokey. Thanks buddy, wait till you hear the latest gossip” Will said as peeled off his foundation. Ronnie shook his head and rolled his eyes as he closed the door behind him.

Will grabbed his briefcase and exited through the back door. It was about 10:30, the back alley way was smothered with trash, sounds of barking dogs, and cat piss. Will treaded carefully, making sure he didn’t step in any puddles, there were several of them. As his eyes were focused on the ground he did not see the two figures coming toward him until they were a few feet away. Will stopped reverently. Suddenly that crack about being mugged was not so funny; he turned around and started fast walking. He could hear their footsteps becoming heavy and hurried. It was no doubt they were after him, Will decided to make a run for it but it was too late, he stepped on a pothole and sent his face straight for the ground, knocking him out unconscious.

Character Profile: Will

This is the eccentric Emmett Honeycut from Queer as Folk who served as my inspiration for the character William Stegovitz. Emmett's sassy southern antics are what made the show fun to watch. Which was exactly what I want out of Will, a flamboyant, assertive, proud drag queen whom everyone can admire or at least make things interesting. Which is why Will is probably my second favorite character. And the reason I killed him off in the first chapter was because Will is beloved by all his friends, even those who didn't know him very well, making him a martyr for the cause. And also his death sets off the mood throughout the entire story, and also gets things in motion.

This is Emmett in drag, this was one of my favorite episodes.

Ch 3 Undetected

 The Christ Crusade Club was holding their meeting in the one and only Club meeting room in DeMille. They sat in a large circle of chairs. Olivia and Bradley sat at the top of the circle, next to them was Regina Webber, and on the opposite side sat the happy couple of Beverly Summers and Shawn Roach. They we’re the all American cheerleader and linebacker couple, the stereotypical high school couple that survived high school and into college. Their involvement in the club was purely social, only the tippy top of DeMille’s students were allowed to join. Next to them was Beverly’s twin sister Megan Summers. Megan was a proclaimed pacifist and an upright prude. She had no intention to brew a cultural war with the GSA. She was alone in this prospect. There were at least 15 members of the Christ Crusade and all of them were in favor of riding DeMille University of the homosexual menace. 

“And we can’t have nice things or express ourselves in front of everyone because these fags get offended so easily… it just breaks my heart that they don’t understand what they’re doing to themselves and to God… Its just so disrespectful to God” Regina Webber finished speaking when Olivia busted in. “Did you see that rat, Ronnie, this morning? Bet he didn’t expect for it to start so early”  

“Let’s not count our blessings before they hatch” Interjected Megan

“Megan’s right. We don’t know their strategy yet… but I do know one thing, they won’t be able to meet up tonight to discuss it” Said Bradley incumbently. “You didn’t” said Olivia.

“I had a little favor to cash in at ASB, and they booked us over those fags, let’s see them trying to get in here” 

“Are you sure you know what you’re doing?” Asked Megan solemnly. “You are such a prude Megan.” Said her sister, Beverly. “Yeah Megan stop being such a prude. These fags think they can come into DeMille and start gay clubs and just soil and defecate on the good Christian moral of our school.” Shawn spoke out in despise. 

“We need to show them that there’s no place for them here in DeMille, and I think we will accomplish that with the help of Reverend James-“  Bradley was interrupted by a loud knock on the door. 

Olivia stood up angrily and yet confidant. She opened the door and there stood the ever so humble looking Jane McCarthy with her bright red hair in a clean ponytail and her glasses contrasting the light from the room. Jane was the president of the GSA club, she was the straight part of the club. Her ties to her gay brother Albert influenced her position on the issue greatly, having to defend him against countless bullies and holy monsters throughout her whole life, and now in college she has made it her mission to extend the boundaries of her protection by being the president. But fighting the crusaders was no walk in the park. With growing opposition, the GSA has become harder to defend. Essentially, Jane is the stronghold of the GSA club, she has bested the crusaders before but at great loss like last year’s AIDS benefit for the hospice in downtown, they had won a lawsuit that would’ve prohibited them from raising any money, however, in light of the victory, Albert was attacked and bashed and was sent to the hospital. That is Jane’s worst fear; failing to protect her little brother. She had always been there for him.

“Umm, we’re supposed to have this room, who gave you the keys-“

“Didn’t they tell you? we have express booking, and since our gathering is more important than your group of butt munching fags” Olivia tries to slam the door shut in Jane’s face but Jane stopped it with her foot.

“I think you’re under the misconception that I’m just going to back down and let you have the room, c’mon we’ve been down this road, now all of you this room is booked so get out!”

Jane felt a rush of power and authority until Bradley stood up from his chair menacingly. Jane quivered inside as his massive, muscular body crept closer.

“The only one who’s leaving is you Jane, we were here first and I do believe we were booked first, if you have a problem take it up with ASB, of course it’ll have to be tomorrow cause they’re office is closed for the day. So get outta here, dyke”  He pushes Jane out of the door way and slams the door on her face. 

Jane jumps back and starts banging on the door while Ronnie and Will come in the hallway.

“Open the door right now!” shouted Jane. 

“Jane, what’s going on?” asked Ronnie trying to stop her from banging on the door.

“Those bastards took our room again!”

“You gotta be fucking kidding me!” shouted Will. he seemed disturbed. He had a guilty pleasure of going inside and sitting on the comfortable sofa that was inside while he dreamt of boys and summer.

“You guys, just let it be!” Said Ronnie

 “Let it be?!” Said Will and Jane

“We’re not going to get anything by banging on the door! Let’s just find another place to meet.”

“Dammit!” Jane was ticked off. This was not how she was expecting to start off the year. “I know what you’re thinking” said Ronnie putting a hand on her shoulder. “They started too soon”.

The smell of garlic bread mixed with spoiled cabbage filled the air that occupied the medium sized cafeteria kitchen, which Jane was reluctant to get the cook to let them meet in there for a few minutes. It was cold and silvery; there was nowhere to sit except on the table tops where Will sat with his legs crossed filing his nails. Ronnie and Teddy leaned on the stoves while Jane hogged the only stool. Most people who came were standing up or sitting on the mildly dirty tables. Gemma walked in wearing her usual preppie hipster attire: a floral print skirt with a faded jean jacket. Gemma was another straight ally; she was also Jane’s best friend. 

Then finally Albert and his boyfriend, Melvin, arrived hand in hand. The two most straight-looking men one will ever see holding hands and kissing. Albert’s white skin contrasted that of Melvin’s chocolate brown shade. They were the envy of all the little gay boys in the club, including Ronnie as he looked at Albert, his longtime crush, exchange saliva with another hot attractive guy. The image stirred in him a feeling of pain, and lust. Everyone in the club had arrived, all 12 members.

Everyone was furious about the crusaders taking their room, especially Will. Jane turned around in her stool, trying to address the club.

“Alright guys let’s get it into gear! I know we’ve had a good break, but it seems we’ve got more work ahead of us this year. Those thumpers started off quickly this year, were gonna have to work at their pace. I’m not gonna lie. It’s gonna get intense, but we won’t be able to win if we don’t have full cooperation.” Jane lectures as Will sits filing his nails sees something moving out of the corner of his eye. It was quick but it was there. Someone was watching them from the window slot in the kitchen door. Will tuned out Jane’s sermon and focused on the kitchen door yards away until he didn’t see it again. 

“So does anyone have any ideas?” Jane asked the crowd. Ronnie nudged Will as to pay attention. “Anyone have any ideas on how to raise money for the Holistic center?” Jane asked again in hopes of a good reply. 

No one seemed to be responding. Everyone was quite stricken with grief at the loss of the air-conditioned meeting room. Will was now wondering if he had teased his liza wig enough before leaving, it would go completely flat sometimes. Will slowly raised his bony hand.

“Yes Will”

“How about a good old fashioned drag show, I know my friend Annita Mann would love to showcase her new dance of the virgin” Will got off the table and posed majestically holding an invisible veil across his face. He received giggles from the crowd except Ronnie, he especially enjoyed drag shows.

“That’s actually not a bad idea”. Ronnie jumped in to save the day. “Think about it, we could host it at Flames, they do drag shows all the times, we could charge 5 dollars for admission, and me and Will could get other drag queens to perform”

“It sounds good but-“

“No one wants to see drag queens lip sync anymore, it’s so 80’s” Interjected Albert, holding his hubby close-by. “Excuse you! Honey, drag queens do a lot more than open and close their mouths.” Will could’ve pounced at the straight homosexual with his newly file nails.

“Actually what I was gonna say is that we already have drag bingo scheduled for the tenth.” Jane interjected.

“You can never get enough Annita Mann. Jane, sweetheart, I don’t see anyone else throwing ideas, so its drag or no drag” Will interjected.

“I think it would be fun. I’ve never seen Annita Mann” Said Gemma enthusiastically.

“Oh sweetie I wish I had my Liza wig” 

“Fine. Will and Ronnie, you’re in charge of this project, everyone here is expected to cooperate in some way.”

After dismissal Will, Ronnie and Teddy walked along the deserted, dark, after hour hallways. They were walking along a dim lighted corridor. For some reason Will was displeased with how the meeting went. “That depraved zombie queer. How dare he insult an art-form”

“Art-form?” questioned Teddy. “Theodore, honey, don’t get me started, all you straight-acting gays talk about is how you hate femininity. Newsflash, sweetie you’re still a fag even if you don’t drag.”

“Did someone say faggots?” Shawn Roach’s voice popped out of nowhere and out came the entire Christ Crusade Club. It seemed they had also ended their meeting. Like a couple of cornered rats, was exactly how Ronnie and Teddy felt, Will on the other hand stepped in front of them and took no steps backwards. 

“Jeez Shawn, why are you so obsessed with gay people? Do they make you feel weird in your funny parts?” Will said as Ronnie tried to come out behind Will. 

Shawn jumped at Will but Bradley grabbed him before he could touch Will. “Shawn, not on school property! Do you want to get kicked out?” Bradley held Shawn in a sleeper hold. It was obvious he was much stronger than him. Will barely flinched. 

“Let that fag have it Bradley! Let him go!” Exclaimed Regina, mostly everyone nodded in approval. Megan began to walk backwards back into the hallway to avoid confrontation. 

Bradley whispered into Shawn’s ear while still restraining him. It was inaudible, no one else heard it but Will stared as he tried to make out the words that came out of Bradley’s mouth. Whatever they were Ronnie was truly and genuinely frightened. Shawn was staring at Will then his rage suddenly dispersed after Bradley’s words. 

Shawn was freed. “Fag Jew” he sneered at Will.

“Oh let’s add anti-Semitism to your list of good deeds! I’m sure God loves Nazis!” Will bursts out as the Crusaders march out of the hallway and out of sight. The three of them stand there for a few minutes. Ronnie tried to make out in his head what had just happened, the fear in him put him in a state of frozen shock, its his go to defense mechanism, and it took a while for him to snap out of it. Teddy was bewildered by Will’s courage, he instantly felt a little more respect for him. 

A light burst behind them. They turned around to see Jeremiah walking out of a classroom, it was too dark to see his face but his blonde hair shined like a beacon. 

“This schedule of mine is going to kill me” he said to them while approaching them. Teddy pulled himself closer to Ronnie, his heart started beating like a bass drum, and he could hear it.

“Have you guys seen my cousin, Olivia? Her club must’ve gotten out by now” 

“They just left” Will said staring at him now that the light had shone on his face and revealed his handsome features.

“Thanks”  he said as he walked past by them.

Ch 2. Roll Call

2 Weeks Earlier

It was the first day of the fall semester. Ronnie hurried to the class that Will and he picked together, which was Philosophy 101. The Greek architecture of the school was peaceful and besetting. It gave off a sense of familiarity and of culture, which was one of the reasons Ronnie picked DeMille University. As he passed through the main quad it was filled with hundreds of marigold patches and beside them the horde of bicycle racks. The quad was filled exciting new students fresh off of their high school commencement ceremony. They circled and bent their heads like lost pigeons. Ronnie recalled he was the same or even worse. He smiled as he recalled his year as a freshman.

The smile was short lived as he spotted Olivia Freeman, a venomous, blood spewing, warmongering, trifling harpy.  The red haired, scrunchie wearing, freckled face wretch was passing out her club’s flyers. Already? It’s only the first day. Thought Ronnie. But who knows maybe The Christ Crusade was going to play nice this year, maybe they won’t protest every AIDS benefit this year, maybe they won’t take down as much of the GSA flyers from all of the trees this time, maybe they won’t organize petitions to bring down the GSA, and maybe pigs will start skyrocketing into the sky using their stereotyped angel wings. One of the things that made last year unbearable was The Christ Crusade Club, which Ronnie thought was justly named as the term “crusade” literally means a religious war, their life’s’ purpose was to destroy the GSA at DeMille and to make the campus a gay-free campus. Before them Ronnie was a devout Christian, he went to church, said his prayers before bed, and most of all he used to pray often. He used to pray for his alcoholic father, his sickly mother, and his slut of a sister. He loved God more than anyone in his family. But that changed when he met Olivia Freeman and the horde of religious assailants who would stop at nothing to destroy and pester the lives of others with what he once thought was a Holy book. 

            A crippling chill overcame him as a tall figure came over to Olivia, hugged her and quickly kissed her full on the lips. It was Bradley Haines, the president of the Christ Crusade Club. He had the face of an angel briefly descended from the heavens, but the characteristic of a vengeful and morbid demon of Lucifer.  Fearing for his life Ronnie scurried past them as they watched him pass by.

            Approaching the Art building Ronnie spotted Theodore Simonsen, he called him Teddy for short. Teddy had the thick and greasy hair of an avid online PC gamer. Teddy was a gaming savant, everything about video games Teddy knew. His clothes looked musty and unwashed, his glasses thick and antiquated. At first sight Theodore looks like one of those computer freaks who stay up late at night playing World of Warcraft while choking their chicken to the video of Hot Milfs 2, but the only difference, is that Theodore would be watching Hot Dilfs 2 instead.  Ronnie met Theodore at the GSA club last year, they’ve been great friends ever since.

            “Teddy! Hey Teddy!” Yelled Ronnie as he caught up to him from behind. “Ronnie. How was the summer?” said Teddy in a melancholic voice.

“It was alright, went down to Miami for the Pride festival you should’ve gone with me and Will.”

“That pretentious queen? Never. Besides the new expansion set for War Cry came out during the summer… so I was busy” 

“Hey did you see the Crusaders? First day and they’re already putting up their signs and passing out their hateful flyers”

“Maybe we should do the same, there is a meeting tonight. You and Will coming?”

“I’ll definitely be coming, I don’t know about Will though”

Teddy suddenly shrunk behind Ronnie, as if he didn’t want to be seen by someone. “Teddy what’s wrong?”

 “Don’t move!” 

Sure enough, Teddy was hiding from the piece of man meat that was headed toward them. Jeremiah Freeman, cousin of Olivia, whom had no other affiliation with the Crusaders, as far as everyone knew. He grazed by them with his long, piercing blonde hair, his eyes covered by his transitional eyeglasses. He was wearing the traditional school suit along with a professional satchel. They hushed as he passed by them. Then they giggled when he left. 

“You’re such a grade schooler.” Said Ronnie. “You have to admit he’s so delightfully pleasing to look at. If I had a boyfriend like that maybe I’d skip on the War Cry every now and then.” 

“You want a straight boyfriend?” Ronnie said mockingly as they reached the hallway where Ronnie’s class was at. “No. Besides I was just men-“ 

“Who wants a straight boyfriend?” William Stegovitz, otherwise known as Will, popped out from behind them wearing his school colors’ flamboyantly and gaily. His Jewish features were noticeable on Will, from the baroque nose to the dusty black hair. Will’s voice penetrated the most solid walls as it was shrill and high pitched but most of all loud. 

“Will! It was about time! Have you seen what those Crusaders are doing?” Said Ronnie excitedly.

“I know. We need to strike these bitches down soon or else its gonna be a repeat of last year, and honey there aint a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes that are worth walking through that hellfire” Said Will waving a rolled up cosmo in his hand.

“Figures.” Said Teddy rolling his eyes. “Excuse you?” Said Will 

“You don’t care about the club, all you care about is being the center of attention. You’re such a snotty, belated drag queen” 

Will pounced at Teddy while Ronnie put himself in between them. “Will, stop it!”

“He started it!” Said Will retracting himself. He pulled back making sure his hair hadn’t been messed up.

“I’ll see you at the meeting tonight Ronnie” Teddy walked away angrily.  “We’ll be there” Said Ronnie.

“We’ll?” Said Will . “Yeah, you two need to start getting along. How are we going to beat the crusaders if we are not all united?” 

“Honey, this problem with the crusaders isn’t going to go away with a game of checkers. Those people have that gangster mob mentality; as long as they think we’re invading their territory they’re never going to back down.”

“Well, you’re still going. Come on let’s get to class.”

Ronnie and Will enter the auditorium-like classroom. The professor stands up from his desk, he writes the word Polaski on the board. Ronnie and Will scurry to their seat at the near back top of the class. 

“Alright my name is Mr. Polaski, you may call me Fred” Said the mildly chunky professor. “Let’s start with roll call.” Ronnie and Will sat down, the instant Ronnie heard roll call his hand sprang up.

“Ronald Abernathy?” Mr. Polaski looks up to find Ronnie’s hand already raised. Without fail Ronnie was always first on the roll list, it was part of his ego, thinking he was always number one. There was also something elating being the first to be called, it must be horrible being called In the middle because you’re just biting with anticipation when your name is going to come up. It was one of the little pleasures of life that Ronnie appreciated. 

Will’s name was called. They heard snickering from the class after his name was called. Not surprising, Will made himself a reputation last year, as what none could really say, he was really well rounded. It was at the end of the roll call that Ronnie freaked out.

“Regina Webber?”  A skinny brunette, sun tanned bimbo in the front raised her hand. “Jesu Maria and the Holy Spirit… that bitch is in our class” Said Will in a whimper. 

“Dammit” Said Ronnie. Regina Webber was the star cheerleader for the Crusaders, her influence in the student populace was enormous, of course all accredited to her large breasts enticing several math clubs and science clubs to support her and the Christ Crusaders. Regina was definitely a fat cat crusader, and a tough opponent. 

The professor started lecturing. Will opened his Cosmopolitan and began reading.

“What are you doing?!” asked Ronnie in a low voice. “It’s the first day Ronnie, how important can it be?” he flipped to the Horoscopes in a flash. 

“Oh my gosh, Ronnie, this is my month, I’m a Scorpio, read what it says” Will handed the Cosmo to Ronnie and he read.

Scorpio (October 23 – November3) The wavelengths are open and free this time of year for you. Something special will happen this month, be wary and cautious, you might miss the opportunity to entice an admirer.

Self made cover.

Ch. 1 Iron Will

            Ronnie walked along the sloppily pasted concrete path to the dormitories. His eyes fixed upon the sheen of the moon. His pace quickened, for some reason he wanted to get to Will’s dorm faster. He quickly wiped his glasses clean with his bright red cardigan. His immensely large hair curled and lashed as the wind brushed it clean like a Mexican piñata. Why would Will miss drag bingo?  Ronnie thought as he reached the boundaries of the Co-ed DeMille Institution dormitories. Most importantly why doesn’t he answer his cell phone?  

            As any good friend will do, Ronnie was worried and decided to go check up on him. They go back to high school, Ronnie and him. The best of friends Ronnie could not say. Will was a bit precocious, a bit intrepid about his friendships. Being a well-known drag queen  gives him a sense of security, and also a reason to lock his doors at night. Howard University, as diverse and populous, does not lack the investigative students who pursue people like Will. The bible thumpers, as Will would call them, once threw rotten tomatoes at him in a gallery performance at the Student Arts Center. None of them were apprehended, and were just given a silly wag of the finger, and a slap on the wrist. 

            Ronnie thought about them as he entered the dorm building. The halls were oak brown, dingy and antiquated. He thought about how much he hated them; The Christ Crusade Club. The name itself was misleading, some people thought it was a crusade against Christ and in turn some joined and were later discouraged to find it was quite the opposite. 

            Being gay and part of the Gay Straight Alliance made him feel like he was at a constant struggle. Always fighting with the crusaders for student council meetings in the activities room, fighting for what they thought was freedom. It wasn’t bad enough they had to fight for everything in their lives they had to be driven from the things they love. Ronnie loved God, he adored him, worshiped him. It wasn’t until college when his faith dwindled.

            He stopped at the stairs quickly as he noticed the halls were suddenly quiet. Not a soul in sight. As it should be, who would be here on a Saturday night? Definitely not Will. But Ronnie had to check. He reached the second floor where Will’s dorm is. The hall was frigid cold; Ronnie wrapped his thin cardigan closer and tried to encompass his skinny body with his toothpick arms. 

            The halls were absent sound, absent warmth. Something wasn’t right. Ronnie knew Will to be a grade A queen. He would not stand for this condemning silence and this devilish chill. He would demand the groundskeeper to raise the thermostat to a bearable 75 degrees and would blast ABBA all over the halls, singing spasmodically to Mama Mia wearing a turquoise busty dress with rhinestones and sequins. Will was also a fan of wigs; his favorite was the Liza wig.  Whenever he was in the mood, Will would: snap on his Liza wig, slip on his favorite chartreuse dress, his favorite lime pumps, and parade around the campus as his alias Annita Mann. 

That is why he could not understand that the halls were not filled with gay music or that the temperature was not pleasant enough for the bitchy, self-centered, and flamboyant Will. Instead it was filled with an awful spectra and an eerie feeling. 

Ronnie seemed to sprint to Will’s dorm; finally arriving he banged on it as if a maniac with a chainsaw was following him. “Will! Will! Are you there?! Open up Will!”

 The sound of his incessant banging filled the halls. Donk! Donk! Donk! “Will open up will you!”

He began to think he wasn’t there and the thought of scampering out of the building like a child out of his first haunted house crossed his mind, but he was not going to leave without making sure.

He pulled out his cell phone and dialed Will’s number. He pressed his pointy ears against the door and surely enough he heard the tenacious tune that was ABBA’s Dancing Queen. He was in there alright, Will never goes anywhere without his cellphone. “Will! I can hear your ringtone open up!” A sudden chill whipped over Ronnie. What if something happened to him?  He thought nervously. The thought of finding Will in his bathroom with foam coming out of his mouth was the final soul biting proof he needed that refusing to take drugs in the 12 grade, offered to him by one of his closest friends, was one of the best decisions of his life. 

Ronnie checked himself he briefly gave penance to God, praying that Will was ok. He stood back and tried to kick the door down with his undernourished delicate legs. After a few attempts he stood back and decided to slam down the door with his side. The lock snapped open and Ronnie came crashing down into Will’s magenta wall dorm. The room was no bigger than a few square inches. Just a bunk bed and very regal boudoir.

At a first glance the room was empty. He stood up and surveyed Will’s  boudoir which was filled with mascara tubes, eyeliners, a hair dryer, and his Liza wig thrown onto it without the slightest care.  He looked at the rouge carpet and noticed it was wet. he crept towards the bunk bed and noticed Will’s jade Buddha on the floor. He bent down and picked it up. He set it on the boudoir. He instantly remembered Will’s cell phone. He dialed it again. 

“You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life. Ooooh see that girl, watch that scene diggin’ the dancing queen”

His eyes widened as the tune came from beneath the bunk bed.  With the most slowest gesture he knelt down to the balls of his feet, he outstretched his hand and in a sudden jerk he lifted the covers revealing the jagged, gaping, bloody face of Will. His body broken, contorted,and shoved under the bed so that his head and dilated pupils beamed at the edge. Ronnie gave a powerful jerk as he somersaulted backwards and hit Will's boudoir knocking down several ornaments. His knees slowly gave out and he was now on the floor looking at Will's "Cat eyes" from a few feet away, in shock.