The Curse of Fantasy

16 Years Post Kiss

Manny sighed. "Boring! Simon, you can do better. What next?"

Simon sighed. "It's not meant to entertain you, Manny! This is my life up until right now. I need some advice when I'm done. Okay?"

"Right." Manny smiled. "Continue." He sipped his cocktail.

"Anyway..." Simon continued his story in third person. It was easier to talk about himself like he was someone else and Manny was weird and preferred it. This was why he loved talking to Manny.

Simon walked into his office and smiled at Ned, his receptionist. Ned was hot. He was happily married to a pretty girl. Ned had been with Simon since he started almost three years ago and he was irreplaceable. Simon knew that. "Good morning, Ned." Simon smiled.

Ned smiled. "Dr. Jarvis. Good morning."

"Ned..." Simon glared.

Ned chuckled. "I know, Simon but Dr. Jarvis sounds so cool. I have news!"

Simon gasped. "Really?"

"Yes. Marsha's pregnant! We just found out last night!" Ned was crazy excited.

Simon met Ned with a hug. "Tell Marsha Congratulations!" He backed away. "I'm so happy for you both!"

"Me too. Thanks, Simon." Ned smiled. "Oh, messages..." He walked back to the desk and got back to work. Simon had three calls to return. He was happy for Ned but a little jealous. He wanted a family so bad. Maybe someday.

His close friends knew he was gay, He hated hiding it so he didn't. He was now Dr. Simon Jarvis MD. He put almost fifteen years into his education and he loved it. He was finally happy with his life. He was a successful dermatologist and he loved his staff and his friends. He loved the life he built here.

Simon dated around but couldn't find a guy he wanted to stay with. He was happy alone for now, he had hobbies and friends. He loved rock climbing. It was something he did on a date once ten years ago and he loved it. He joined a club that got together every Saturday. It was something he could do alone too. He knew he would be alone for a long time, the rest of his life.

He spent his week in his office. He had short weeks. Four ten hours days. It was his office and his times. He considered Ned to be a good friend and a good receptionist. He had worked there for almost three years. Simon was getting him something special for putting up with him. It was his longest relationship. That was just sad.

On Saturdays when the weather was good, Simon did some rock climbing with his group. It was his hobby that he loved. They climbed different heights depending on the mood and on this day, Simon wanted to climb to space if he could. He was happy and climbing was fun and a freedom he didn't have anywhere else. Not to mention the views.

Today, he was climbing to the top.

Simon talked to his mother, Geri all the time. She was so great. She kept him informed about family events but kept conversation away from Jett. She knew it would hurt Simon. She only told him about the important events. Like when Jett got married and had a child. She hadn't mentioned his name in almost twelve years.

His phone rang as he sat on a cliff. He just made it to the summit. "Mom! Hi!"

"Baby! How is my favorite Simon?" Geri smiled. She loved Simon. She was proud of him. He was true to himself and she thought that was amazing. He was comfortable with who he was.

"I'm wonderful. I'm sitting on a cliff that I just climbed. The view is amazing!" Simon took a picture and sent it to her. "See it?"

Geri smiled. "Oh! How high is that? It looks dangerous!"

Simon laughed. "That's the point, Mom. My group gets together every Saturday. I'm not alone and I have my phone. It's what we do. What are you doing?"

"Well, we are...Simon... Sarah died. She was in a car accident. Jett isn't doing very well!" Geri wiped a tear. Simon knew that Sarah was Jett's wife but that's all he knew and he couldn't care any less.

Simon inhaled. He hadn't heard Jett's name in years and hardly thought about him now. All of a sudden, he was back. Fuck my life! "Mom, I doubt that Jett wants me there!" He didn't want to go.

Geri sighed. "He asked me to call you, Simon."

"Mom! I can't. That life is behind me. I have a great life here! I love it here. I love my life here. I can't go backwards. I'm sorry." Simon wasn't ready for this. "Tell him I send my condolences. But... I have to go."

"The funeral is Saturday at Ten AM. If you change your mind." Geri sighed. He wasn't coming. "I love you, Simon."

"I love you, Mom. Send my love to everyone. I have to go..." Simon hung up. He wiped his face. His life up to now was flashing through his mind. It took his breath away and he could feel the panic.

He replayed the kiss. He flinched. He was such a fool back then. What could he have been thinking, kissing his best friend and ruining everything? Well, that kiss was life changing but...not the changes he had wanted.

Now, he was comfortable. Happy. Fucking Jett!

"So..." Simon stopped. "That is everything up to now. What should I do?"

Manny sighed. "You go."

Simon rubbed his face. "Really?"

"Yes. He was a friend. I know he was awful but it may mean something to you to actually talk to him. See him. Heal a little." Manny ran his hands through his dark blond hair. It needed a cut.

"I can't believe I'm asking my Agoraphobic friend for social advice!" Simon sighed with a smile.

"I may be afraid to step out of my house but I know what it looks like when you mess up. You make horrible decisions when it comes to Jett. Go. See him. Let him see you! I mean honestly! If I wasn't married...Simon, I would do things to you!" Manny growled.

Simon glared. "No more margaritas for you. Do I need to get your husband!"

Manny smiled. "He's sexy too! I tied him to the bed last night, naked and covered him in oil! That man has stamina!"

"No! I don't want to know!" Simon covered his ears.

Manny chuckled. "Sorry. I'm still hot from it. I mean we switched and he tied me to the bed! I almost blacked out from the sex, Simon... In the best way! Did he tell you we broke the last bed? It was made of wood." He chuckled at the memory. "Sorry. I got sidetracked."

"So, basically... I'm going back to Cali?" Simon ignored everything Manny just said and sighed.

Manny nodded. "Yes. Let's get shitfaced!" They both laughed.

Thanks for reading!