My not so Innocent Love

Everyone dreams of a magical romance.

A romance that would change their life forever.

Laverne Spence was just like everyone else. He dreamed of a beautiful romance that would go down in history, the problem is he never thought that it would really happen.

Falling in love with one of your closest friends is hard enough; you risk losing a friend and having your heart broken. Imagine being a teenager in a midst of sexual awakening, falling in love with your straight-as-an-arrow jock of a friend, and learning that your first gay love is moving to another city because of an athletic college scholarship.

Things seemed pretty hopeless to Laverne, so the only thing he could do was to let go and try to move on, but just before he goes away, Evan Richards kissed him.

Not thinking of the consequences ahead, Laverne kissed him back. Nothing else mattered to him at that moment, only the fact that Evan was kissing him.

After that kissed, Evan moved to study in college, and Laverne was left alone. He didn’t felt sad, though, because Evan would message and call him frequently. Having a long-distance relationship was hard, and the fact that their first kiss was also the last before Evan moved, made it even harder for Laverne.

He only has to wait for a year. Laverne told himself. After that, he could see Evan again. They made so many plans together, but what excited Laverne the most was the idea of living with Evan once he goes to college.

Everything seemed so fine, so perfect. He thought that he had found his happy ending with Evan, until a single picture finally shattered the dream.

An anonymous sender sent him a link; it brought him to the IG account of one Cara Morrison, and her most recent update was of her in the football field kissing a man. Not just any man, Laverne’s man, Evan.

Laverne was an absolute angel to his mother, she wouldn’t let him go outside too much because she was afraid that her angel would get hurt. She would always call him an angel, and because of his innocent face, no one can really really fault her.

At first people would think that she was just a doting mother, but once they see his picture, people had no choice but to agree with her. Laverne is angelic… well in appearance, that is.

“What did you say? Where are you?” His mom asked over the phone. She was on a business trip and Laverne took the chance to take matters in his own hands.

“Relax, Mother, I’m perfectly fine. It’s just a few hours away from home, so there’s nothing to worry about. I can take care of myself.” Laverne said confidently as he looked outside the window of the bus. “Just think of it as a reconnaissance. I’m just checking the campus before I enroll this semester.”

“That’s not the point, Laverne. You should have told me about this, and you should have not left on your own. You could have taken someone with you.” His mother was clearly holding back her anger.

“Exactly my point, Mother. If I told you about this trip, then you would have forced me to take a chaperone. I’m 18, I don’t need a baby sitter.” Laverne answered in a very confident tone.

“Where are you going to stay? Does Evan know you’re coming? I’ll call him so he could take care of you.” His mother sounded very worried.

Laverne sighed. His mother was overreacting again. “Mom…” Laverne said in a sweet and innocent voice. “I can take care of myself, don’t worry.” He continued. “Don’t call Evan, I want to surprise him.” He said in the same voice but with a mischievous grin on his lips. His mom didn’t answer. “Don’t you trust me?” He said in a gloomy and childish tone.

“Fine, but if anything happens, call me. Immediately. Understand?” His mother persisted.

“Yes.” He said cheerfully then hanged the phone. “Ohh, trust me, something is going to happen.” He said meaningfully as he took out his phone and looked at the picture of Evan and the girl named Cara. “Time to take back what’s mine.” He said in a grim tone.

After checking-in in an expensive hotel, Laverne went to the university to find Evan and Cara. Summer break had started but the campus was still filled with students. Laverne walked confidently towards the campus ground. He knew exactly where to find Evan.

He was walking toward the football field when a group of female students approached him. “Are you lost? We could accompany you if you want.” One of them said flirtatiously. “Are you looking for the admin’s office?”

“I am not...” Laverne said innocently as he looked at them. “But I am quite troubled by your presence. Get lost.” He said coldly as he looked at them with sharp eyes, leaving them in a daze.

Finally, he found Evan resting on the benches of the football field. He looked so handsome in his uniform. He was a heartthrob, but he was also so kind and so nice to Laverne. They were from different cliques, but Evan always took care of him, and that’s how Laverne fell for him.

Suddenly, the feeling of rage and betrayal was washed away when he saw Evan. Laverne missed him so much that seeing him again melted his heart, but that was short lived.

The moment Cara entered the picture and sat beside Evan, the rage went rushing back into Laverne.

As Laverne walked closer, the two got sweeter. Cara’s hands were all over Evan as Laverne’s fists were clenched in anger. To make things worse, Evan was smiling and laughing, clearly happy to have Cara all over him.

“Wow… you two look good together…” Laverne said in a mixture of fake enthusiasm and genuine sarcasm. He saw how shocked Evan was to see him there. Cara on the other hand looked unfazed, like she was expecting him. “Did you miss me?” He added.

“Hey, who is this pretty boy right here?” One of the players said as he approached Laverne and examined his face. “Say, pretty boy, do you know Cara and Evan?” He asked.

“Ohh… didn’t you know? I am…” Laverne walked towards Cara and Evan. He looked at the two of them with sharp eyes. “Evan’s…” He looked at Evan and grinned. “…cousin.” He said then smiled innocently at everyone.

“Ehhh… cousin? Really?” One of the female students in the group said. “That’s unfair, Evan, how come you haven’t mentioned anything about your cousin?” She looked at Laverne with adoring eyes. She stood up and then approached Laverne. “What’s your name? How old are you?” She asked.

“Laverne Spence, eighteen, and there’s a chance that I’ll be attending this university next semester.” He said with an innocent smile. “Depending on how things works out.” He added while looking at Evan.

Evan looked very confused. He was quiet as he watched the scene before him. Laverne was smiling innocently at Evan’s friends -who seemed to be particularly fond of him- but, as he did, his mind was continuously concocting plans on how to throw Cara out of the picture.

Laverne was invited to have dinner with everyone and he agreed without even thinking twice. Apparently, it was also to celebrate the success of the team that year.

Evan’s friends and teammates were really fond of Laverne. They would ask him all sorts of question, but Evan would always intervene and answer for him every single time.

The whole time, Evan looked really nervous. He was on edge, and he couldn’t be any more obvious that he didn’t want anyone to find out who Laverne really was.

He felt like he was Evan's dirty little secret, and it broke his heart.

“We need to talk.” Evan said to him when no one was particularly watching them.

“I’m not in the mood to talk.” He said in a cold tone. “You’ll just make up excuses anyway. So why bother? I am not that naïve.” Even though Laverne was acting cold, he was truly hurt inside.

“Could you at least listen to what I have to say?” Evan said pleadingly.

“I don’t want to. I can’t.” He was afraid that Evan would say that it’s over for the two of them. He didn’t want to hear it. He wasn’t ready for it. “I only came here to see with my own eyes what the two of you are. I’ve clearly seen it already, so you don’t have to say anything. I’ll go home…” He tried to be strong, but his chest felt heavy and his eyes were already watering.

“Then why are you crying?” Evan suddenly asked as he wiped the tears off of Laverne’s eye with his thumb. “Come with me.” He said as he took Laverne’s hand and led him outside.

No words can explain how much he missed Evan’s touch. Not only Evan’s touch, but also his face, his voice, and every little thing about him. He missed Evan so much. It was not how Laverne imagined it, but finally, Evan was with him again. And now that Evan is with him again, he won’t let anything or anyone get in between them.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Being a ghost is difficult. You could see and hear everything around you, but you can’t be seen or even be heard. Touching something is also a big issue, but what irritates Keith the most was the fact that the living people around him are so naïve.

He had no idea how long it has been since he first became a ghost, but for as long as he could remember, people around him had continuously acted foolish and ignorant.

Walking down the street, Keith would avoid touching or getting touched by anything or anyone. He wanted to feel normal, so he was pretending to be one.

Keith was particularly intrigued by one scene outside a pub. There were two young lads talking. The older one looked very handsome and the younger one looked very beautiful; he just couldn’t find any more appropriate words to describe the younger boy. He could say handsome or even pretty, but those words seemed lacking. The young boy looked very angelic... very innocent.

The older boy was holding the hand of the younger one. “Listen to me. There’s nothing really happening between me and Cara. Trust me, Laverne.”

“Ohhh… they’re lovers…? Why? What does that kid see in that guy?” Keith said.

“I saw how good the two of you look together. I also saw how sweet you two are.” The younger boy named Laverne said with a sad smile. “You two are more suited for each other, if you’re happier with her, then I understand. Cara’s beautiful, and most importantly, you wouldn’t have a hard time dating her.”

The older boy looked side to side and when he saw that no one’s watching them, he kissed Laverne. “I choose you.” He said when he moved away. “Where are you staying? You should rest for tonight. I’ll pick you up tomorrow. We’ll talk more then.” The older boy said and left Laverne outside the pub.

Laverne fell silent. He was blushing as he put his head down. “He must be feeling really happy.” Keith said as he watched the boy. “Look at that, he is really flushing red… ahhh… how very innocent. Such a pity though, he’s obviously being cheated on. But I bet that one kiss was enough to shut him up.” Keith said, frustrated at the boy’s naiveté.

Suddenly, the innocence in the boy’s face was gone. Keith was surprised to see that the innocent looking boy was glaring back at the pub with very sharp and piercing eyes. “Do you think that I’m that easy?” Laverne muttered in a very cold tone. He sounded so feisty and it amused Keith.

He had never seen anyone change attitude so quickly, and he had observed many people. What else could a ghost do to pass the time?

The boy seemed so interesting, so Keith decided to follow him until they arrived at his hotel room. Keith was trying to figure out what the boy would do. Would he cry, throw some stuff around, or punch a pillow.

Laverne did nothing of those, instead he opened the fridge and took out a can of beer.

Keith couldn’t believe that Laverne could gulp down that can of beer like it was water. Laverne took another can of beer and finished it in the same manner. He was about to open another can but then his head fell.

The next thing that Keith noticed was tears dripping down on the table. He couldn’t understand the boy at all. One moment he looked very innocent, then the next very sharp, and then would finally end up crying. Keith could only imagine what Laverne was feeling. He was so fascinated by Laverne that Keith continued watching him.

As Laverne continued crying, Keith couldn't help but feel bad for him. His heart must be really aching, for him to cry like that. Keith reached for Laverne but stopped when his hand was just in front of Laverne’s bowed head. He wanted to touch Laverne, to comfort him, but he couldn’t. He knew that his hands would only pass through. He couldn’t do anything but watch as Laverne cried his heart out. As he watched, Keith felt his heart aching as well.

He just couldn’t understand why it was so painful for him to see Laverne cry, why he wanted to wipe away his tears, to make him happy. The weirdest thing, was the fact the Keith could feel an undeniable connection with him.

“You look so happy when he kissed you. You must really love him. I thought you were just a naïve innocent boy who knows nothing, but I guess I was mistaken. You’re smart to notice that he’s cheating on you.” Keith sighed. “I guess I should leave you alone.” Keith felt that if he stayed there any longer, he would go crazy. He wanted to touch Laverne so badly. He was afraid that he might end up scaring him.

“What was I even expecting? Of course he would choose Cara, it’s better for his image, his career…” Laverne said as he sobbed. “I know that there’s something between him and that Cara, but why do I still love him this much? My heart is so painful. I feel like something is tearing me up from the inside. Why do I still love him? Why do I have to fall for him in the first place? I should’ve let go of this feeling in the first place. Why did I still pursue? Why?” Laverne sounded very drunk. “Answer me!”

Keith was surprised. He looked back and then saw Laverne looking at him. He couldn’t possibly see him, could he? Keith thought. No matter what he did, no matter how hard he tried, no one had been able to see him before.

“I noticed you’ve been following me.” Laverne said as he stood up and walked towards Keith. “Are you a stalker? How did you even get in here?” Laverne pointed a finger at Keith, he was very drunk. “Why aren’t you talking?” Keith talked but it seemed that Laverne couldn’t hear him. “Forget it. I’m very tired, I’m going to sleep. Just leave.” Laverne said looking at Keith while pointing at the door.

Keith was totally dumbstruck. Finally, he met someone who could see him. He could use that boy's help. He was really tired of being a ghost and he wanted to pass on already. He followed the boy to the bedroom. He passed through the wall and watched Laverne undress. He looked away until Laverne was finally covered with the blanket.

Even though it was a stretch, Keith would do anything just to answer all his questions. Why is he still not passing on? Why can’t he remember anything from when he was still alive? What does he need to do to pass on? All those questions, he figured out, could be answered with the help of Laverne.

The whole night, Keith watched Laverne. He wondered why Laverne could see him while everyone else couldn’t. “What’s so special about you?” He whispered.

Keith was sitting on the couch across the bedroom when the morning came. Laverne woke up as soon as the sun hits his eyes. He stretched on the bed and then stood up. Keith was shocked to see Laverne in just his underwear. Laverne was oblivious to his presence at first, but when Laverne was about to leave the room he suddenly looked at Keith’s direction.

Laverne stared at him blankly and then blinked a few times. “Ahhh...” He shouted as he went back to his bed and wrapped himself with the blanket. “Who are you?! What are you doing here?!” Laverne asked as pointed at Keith. “What are you, a robber, a sex offender, a pervert?!” He sounded very alarmed.

“So you can really see me.” Keith said excitedly as he stood up.

“What are you talking about? How can I not see you? You’re not just a pervert, are you? You’re also messed up in the head. A crazy pervert.” Laverne still sounded very alarmed as he stepped away from Keith.

Keith was surprised. He stepped closer towards Laverne. “You can hear me now?” Keith was simply ecstatic. Laverne could help him better if he could hear him.

“Stay away from me! I’m not someone who you could mess with!” Laverne warned him. “Besides, we’re both guys here, and you don’t look like you’re into men…”

“It didn’t seem to be a problem when you kissed that boy last night. Plus, I was here all night, watching you sleep.” Keith said and then stepped closer. He just found Laverne’s expression really amusing that he couldn’t help but tease him further.

“What? Have you been following me since then? Are you a perverted stalker?” Keith stepped closer again. “I said stay away!” Laverne shouted as he threw the lamp on the bedside table towards Keith. The lamp simply passed through Keith.

Laverne’s eyes widened and he fell silent in shock. “I’m neither a stalker nor a pervert. As you can see, thankfully, I’m a ghost, and I need your help.” Keith explained slowly and nicely.

“Ghost…” Laverne repeated in a shaky voice. “Hahaha…” Laverne laughed nervously.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

“Yes… I’m a ghost.” The young man in front of Laverne said.

His mind simply snapped when that lamp passed through the man. He had only heard about such things before, and to see it himself drove him mad. In front of him was real life ghost. At first, he thought that he was only hallucinating because of his hangover, but the young man was talking to him and no matter how much he shook his head, he wouldn’t go away.

The young man then put his hand towards the wall and it simply passed through. “You’re really a ghost…” Laverne gave up. “Well, that’s something…”

“Yes, I’m really a ghost.” The young man said as he retracted his hand.

“A perverted ghost…” Laverne added when he remembered that the young man watched him sleep almost naked. All night long.

“What? I already told you, I’m not a pervert.” The young man protested.

“You watched me sleep all night, and I was almost naked too. Only a pervert would do such a thing. If you’re really not a pervert, then, you should have waited outside my room, ghost or not.” Laverne said sharply.

“Well, you do have a point. I’m sorry about that.”

“What’s your name? You can’t expect me to talk to you without knowing your name.” Laverne said casually. “Or do you want me to simply call you ‘ghost’?”

“Keith… I think…” The young man replied.

Laverne inspected Keith. He looked older than him. He was tall, well built, he had green eyes, jet black hair, and his sculpted face… he looked really handsome, really sexy. “Well, Keith. Could you look away, I need to wear something first. Usually, I would have no problem with this, but you just watched me sleep all night, so…” Laverne added.

“Is it just me or are you used to me already? I was expecting you to freak out a little longer or even faint, but you’re taking things really well.” Keith said as he turns around.

“Well, I may look like this, but I’m very strong. Well, mentally. I adapt to things quite easily.” Laverne said proudly. “Plus, it’s not like I could change anything if I freak out. You’ll still be a ghost, and you’ll still pester me to help you. I’m right, aren’t I?” He said as he finished up putting his clothes on. “You can look now.”

Keith turned around. “I guess that’s better for both of us. But, are you feeling alright, you were pretty drunk last night?” He asked nicely.

“I’m fine now.” Laverne said as he sat down on the edge of the bed. “But, just how much did you see?”

“What do you mean? If you mean your body then…” Keith said with a teasing smile.

“I mean, what I did, what happened.” Laverne said, very embarrassed.

“I saw everything since you and that other boy walked out of the pub.” Keith answered apologetically.

Laverne slumped. It was too embarrassing for him. He looked at Keith and he only smiled at him. It was weird though. He felt really comfortable with Keith. If it was the ghost of anyone else, then he might be already freaking out nonstop, but since it was Keith, Laverne was feeling really at ease. It was not only that, he was very drawn to Keith. He didn’t even have to think twice about helping Keith, he was more than willing to.

“You said you need my help. So, how can I help you? Basically, I just need to help you resolve your unfinished business and you could pass on peacefully, right? Do you need me to communicate with the loved ones you left? Perhaps, you want me to find your body or bring your death to justice.” Laverne said enthusiastically.

“Actually… I can’t remember anything except that my name is Keith.” He said sadly.

Laverne couldn’t believe it. How could he help someone who doesn’t even know his own full name, much worst a ghost? Although he found the circumstances very troublesome, his mind was still set on helping Keith. “Well, we’ll figure something out… somehow.” He said kindly. Keith already looked very sad and Laverne didn’t want to make him feel more depressed.

“Sorry, I know I’m asking too much. I am asking you to help me resolve my unfinished business, but I can’t even remember what that is, or who I even am.” Keith looked very guilty.

“Wait a minute.” Laverne noticed that Keith was wearing a necklace. It was a small spherical orb and inside it was a small hourglass. The necklace was white gold and the spherical pendant was lined with gold. The orb itself was a clear white crystal and the hourglass was made of diamond, lined with gold. “That necklace, have you been wearing it the whole time?”

Keith held the necklace and then smiled. “Yes. I’ve been wearing this since I could remember.” He moved closer to Laverne and showed him the necklace.

It was even more beautiful up close. Laverne tried to hold it, but his hand simply passed through Keith. Passing through a ghost was a weird feeling. It felt cold and stuffy and that feeling seeped right through your skin.

Laverne instantly retracted his hands. “Sorry. For a second I forgot…” He said apologetically at Keith. “Anyway…” Laverne said guiltily. “That necklace is unique, we might find something about you if we find where that necklace came from. If we find out which jeweler made that, then we could ask them, I’m sure they’ll remember who bought such a unique necklace from them.”

He was enthusiastic about helping Keith. It took his mind away from Evan. Laverne was still unsure about Evan’s feelings for him, but still, his own feelings haven’t changed. Even after everything that happened, he still loved Evan. Suddenly he fell silent. He had no idea that his sadness was easily seen by Keith.

“It’s alright.” Keith said. “Sometimes I forgot that I am a ghost as well.” He added. “Like last night and right now. Sometimes I just see something so beautiful that I want to touch it and forget that my hand would simply pass through.”

Suddenly, Laverne felt something cold on his cheek. He knew that feeling. He slowly looked up and saw Keith kneeling in front of him while reaching for his cheeks. “What are you doing?” Laverne asked in a low gentle tone.

“Just…Even though I’m a ghost and it might sound weird, but I can’t help but think that you’re… beautiful.” Keith said with a beautiful smile.

“Ahhh…” Laverne nodded as he stared at Keith’s handsome face. It was such a waste that a person as good looking as Keith was already dead. Laverne never thought that a ghost could smile that beautifully. “I was right, you’re a pervert ghost.” He said shyly as Keith moved away.

What’s happening? Why am I feeling this happy to see him smile at me like that? Why is my heart beating this fast? Laverne asked himself.

Suddenly Laverne’s phone rang. He took it and saw Evan’s name. Not knowing whether he should answer or not, Laverne only stared at the screen. He knew that Evan would only make dumb excuses and he knew that once Evan touches him and kisses him, he wouldn’t be able to resist. He felt so pitiful that Evan has that much hold of his heart.

“Aren’t you going to answer it?” Keith suddenly asked. He was already looking out the window when Laverne saw him. “It’s your lover, isn’t it?” Looking at Keith gave Laverne an idea.

He was still unsure what he wanted to do with Evan, he was still undecided whether he would fight for him or just let him go. Because after everything that he saw last night, he was sure that Evan couldn’t stand by their relationship. He didn’t want to be with someone who’s ashamed of their relationship. He didn’t want to be someone’s dirty little secret. He wanted to love freely and show it off to the whole world and he knew that Evan couldn’t do it with him. Even after knowing all of that, he still loved Evan.

Cara, on the other hand, was a different story. He wanted to make that witch regret crossing him. The moment their eyes met, Laverne knew that Cara knew about him. He had a feeling that it was even Cara who sent him that picture.

“Say, Keith, while we’re still figuring out what’s your unfinished business is, can you do me a favor?” Laverne said with a mischievous smile. “There’s this really evil witch that I want to get rid of.”