Author's Notes: Since we've both been rushed and short of time, and yet desperate to update, this is a cheap way to a story – you wanted a story?
Thursday, February 18, 2010
The Flame Game
Title: The Flame Game
Authors: Rolf and Ranger
Author's Notes: Since we've both been rushed and short of time, and yet desperate to update, this is a cheap way to a story – you wanted a story?
Here's the film script
of a Universe story, Chris and Joe. With commentary.
Joe: parks
in the garage and goes out to get the mail, brings it back in and flips through
it in the kitchen
Chris: Watching racing on tv
Joe:
puts the mail down and heads into the living room Hey hon.
Chris: Hi, Leans back for a kiss, in the
corner of the couch, arms folded
Joe: kisses
him how was your day?
Chris: ok. Yours?
Joe: It was good. Settled a case before
we needed to go to trial. Always like that.
Chris: well done, that's good.
Joe: What's
the homework look like for today?
Chris: Isn't any.
Joe: No?
taking off tie
Chris: No. Dinner's in the oven.
Joe: What
are we having?
Chris: pork casserole.
Joe: That
sounds delicious. I'm going to change, be right back.
Chris: Goes back to the racing, arms still
folded.
Joe: changes
out of his work clothes and into shorts and a t-shirt, heads back down What
else to we need to fix with the casserole?
Chris: I'll
do some rice when it's time.
Joe: Okay.
heads into the kitchen to actually read and sort the mail
Chris: Curls up on the sofa in a tighter
huddle, glares at the racing
Joe: gets through with that,
checks on dinner, then yells
Want anything to drink?
Chris: Double vodka.
Joe: pours
himself and iced tea and gets a can of Sprite for Chris I thought this would be better.
Chris: why ask me then?
Joe: In
case you had a serious choice? Is something wrong?
Chris: You're not my mother you know
Joe: I
think we both know that?
Chris: then why can't I have what I want to drink?
Joe: Because
a double vodka would end your night pretty quickly, and I planned on spending
some time with you.
Chris: yep. That's me. Flat on my back on half a
glass of sherry
Joe: I
didn't say that. come here. patting the couch next to him
Chris: Goes, sullenly
Joe: puts an arm around him What's going on?
Chris:
Nothing.
Joe: You
don't seem to be in a very good mood.
Chris:
I felt like a drink
Joe: You
don't usually want that much alcohol.
Chris: I just felt like it
Joe: Why?
Chris:
I just feel like it! Tries to get up and head into the kitchen
Joe: pulls
him back down, more serious
What's going on?
Chris: Nothing!
Joe: gets the remote and turns the
race off Something is.
Chris:
Joe!
Joe: I'll turn it back on once you tell me.
Chris:
I was watching that! I GET into bad moods, you do too, it doesn't mean
the sky's falling!
Joe: No,
it doesn't. But if there's a reason you're in a bad mood, I want to know.
Chris:
Slouches back into the sofa, NOT happy
Joe: Alright,
you can think about it then. gets the paper and opens it up
Chris:
Growls audibly
Joe: reads
Chris:
Huffs
Joe: reads
Chris:
OKAY. school wasn't great.
Joe: puts the paper down I'm sorry to hear that. What wasn't great about
it?
Chris:
Looking at his knees I got a four day suspension.
Joe: shocked A what?
Chris:
Four day suspension. A whole bunch of people did.
Joe: What happened?
Chris:
there was a troll on the college chat list thing, and a bunch of people
flamed him to get rid of him - apparently some of the mails went 'past the
line', and those people got suspended
Joe: You
took part in flaming someone?
Chris:
Doesn't answer that one, looking down
Joe: Christopher.
Chris:
Someone used my account
Joe: You're saying you didn't take part
in this?
Chris:
Not in the mails that caused the trouble
Joe: Who did?
Chris:
that's not important
Joe: If you're accepting a 4 day
suspension for someone else, it is VERY important.
Chris:
it was just someone at college, that was all. I told them that when I
got the suspension letter, but they say the mails were in my account name
Joe: You're supposed to keep that
information private. Did someone break into your account or did you give them
the password?
Chris:
someone I know who uses the account sometimes, I know them and its
ok. But the authorities said it
was my account which makes me responsible. I didn't see the mails until afterwards, it all happened in
an afternoon
Joe: Do you have the mails?
Chris:
yes
Joe: May I see them, please.
Chris:
Gets up to put the computer on
Joe: follows
Chris:
Logs into the college forum There. Under the Traikes thread.
Joe: starts reading
Chris:
it got nasty around the end of page two
Joe: Check on dinner while I read.
Chris:
Goes to put the rice on, not happy
Joe: reads through, not liking
what he's seeing, finishes the thread and signs out
Chris:
Shuts the rice in the microwave, hears the computer shut down
Joe: sits and thinks for a bit
Chris:
Comes back to him, mood changed now that Joe actually knows
Horrible isn't it?
Joe: Yes,
it wasn't very nice at all. I'm shocked at the vehemence.
Chris:
he was being a pain, but that got really vicious
Joe: I
can see why the Dean handed down suspensions, that kind of behavior can't be
tolerated.
Chris: it breached the forum rules apparently
Joe: It
breached a lot of rules. You didn't participate at all?
Chris: Shakes
his head, sliding his arms around Joe's shoulders, wanting the comfort I didn't even see them until this morning.
Joe: holds
him for a moment, then pulls him down into his lap You do realize that the suspension goes on your
permanent record, the same one that future employers have access to when you
apply for jobs?
Chris: I know.
I tried to explain, I tried with several people, but the answer was the same
each time. My account, my responsibility, end of story.
Joe: Did
they ask who had posted it?
Chris: Yes. I
told them it was a friend I'd let use my account, but they said I was
responsible for what they put up there in my name. I didn't even KNOW about
this thread.
Joe: Who
was it?
Chris: just
someone at college.
Joe: I
want a name, please. That person is due a suspension as well.
Chris: it
won't achieve anything. They say I'm responsible for what I allow to be
published in my name as much as if I'd written it myself. My fault.
Joe: I
don't disagree. That wasn't a smart thing to do, letting someone else post
under your name. I want to know who it was, and I won't ask nicely again.
Chris: There's
no point in a name you probably wouldn't even know, you're not going to fix
this Joe. I was stupid to trust them, end of story
Joe: That
is beside the point. Who was it?
Chris: Joe it
isn't going to matter. It really isn't. This is my problem now and I'm the one
who has to deal with it.
Joe: Wrong.
You may go stand in the corner, please, and think about that name.
Chris: Joe.
Where is the POINT in giving you a name? What are you going to do with it?
Joe: I'm
going to give it to the Dean. The person that used your account is not getting
off scot-free.
Chris: gently Why do you think they're going to listen to you
when I've already tried that?
Joe: Did
you give them his name?
Chris: No, but
I asked what would happen. They said it made no difference. I'm responsible for
anything said in my name.
Joe: I
agree that you should be punished, but I don't agree that you should receive
the same punishment as those that actually wrote that trash. That is part of
your permanent file and it needs to be clear what your part in it was. With the
name of the person that authored it, we get the true culprit punished and see
if we can make a difference on your own record.
Chris: I can
see that. But they're not going to listen to you Joe, I tried with several
people.
Joe: We
don't know until we try. Give me the name or go and face the corner.
Chris: I'm not going to help you get someone else
into trouble. Especially not a friend. It isn't fair to ask me to do that.
Joe: puts
him on his feet Corner.
Chris: I can stand there until Christmas... warning
Joe: LOOKS,
serious Did you just threaten
me?
Chris: No. frustrated, upset I just want you to understand.
Joe: I
want YOU to understand - you are not getting your friend into trouble. They did
the job on their own. It's important that we do what we can to have your
permanent record reflect the correct facts. If THAT doesn't convince you, the
bottom line is I asked and I expect to be told. Face the corner.
Chris: Goes,
still not believing Joe's being so stubborn about this, mostly upset he's so
angry about it
Joe: goes
back into the kitchen to check on dinner
Chris: Stands, miserable and frustrated
Joe: leaves
him there until dinner is ready. Puts that on the table Ready to give me a name?
Chris: Unhappily No. Not because I don't understand or I'm being
stubborn, but because it won't help, it's going to make things worse
Joe: You
may come and eat.
Chris: Comes
to the table
Joe: serves
them both Does the suspension
start tomorrow?
Chris: today. I was sent home.
Joe: What
happens with homework and classwork?
Chris: I just miss the classes.
Joe: Any
tests or projects you miss turning in?
Chris: No sir
Joe: eating
Chris: picking, upset
Joe: Eat
your dinner.
Chris: I'm not very hungry
Joe: You
will be later if you don't eat.
Chris: I really don't want it
Joe: Then
you may head upstairs for a shower and get yourself ready for bed.
Chris: Joe
-
Joe: Shower,
Christopher.
Chris: Silently gets up and goes
Joe: finishes
his own meal, puts away any leftovers and cleans up the kitchen
Chris: Showers and gets ready for bed
Joe: heads
upstairs
Chris: Sitting on the edge of the bed
Joe: comes
in, stands before him Going to
give me that name?
Chris: I don't
want to argue with you, I really don't. I just don't see how this isn't going
to make everything a lot worse.
Joe: What
is going to be worse?
Chris: for a
start, a friend who's no longer a friend, and a friend and dean wondering why
my boyfriend pitches in and argues on my behalf
Joe: Slow
down, I don't understand. Who's no longer your friend?
Chris: the
person you want the name of if I give it to you
Joe: I
have a question for you. Does this friend know you were suspended?
Chris: ..........no.
Joe: Are
you angry with him or her for putting you in this position?
Chris: yes.
But I haven't been able to contact him. And once I spoke to the
authorities I know there's nothing to be done
anyway
Joe: Why
do you feel he shouldn't be punished as well?
Chris: Not
everyone's like us
Joe: No.
Chris: I don't
want him to wonder why I need my boyfriend to fight my battles for me, or why I
have to drop him in it. He's going to feel awful enough when he finds out
what's happened and it won't MAKE a difference. I know if it was just a case
telling the dean he'd do it himself.
Joe: Are
you going to tell me who?
Chris: Joe I
just explained all that
Joe: Then
I'm finished asking for this evening. You'll spend the rest of the evening in
bed without books or tv and think about it. I've asked for his name and whether
or not you feel like giving it to me is now very much out of the question. We
DO need to talk about your part in this, and what it means to you.
Chris: I'm not
trying not to take responsibility for this. I'm the one handling it and I
didn't even know about the conversation, I didn't actually do anything wrong
other than trust a good friend here Joe, I'm not the bad guy
Joe: Your
friend IS attending school?
Chris: yes
Joe: Then
I'd like to know why he asked to use your account, rather than his own?
Chris: because
he isn't full time. Only full time students get free access
Joe: looks
steadily at him Was it
Matthew?
Chris: no.
Joe: continues
looking
Chris: Shuts
his eyes, very upset Mike.
Joe: incredulous Michael??
Chris: Nods
Joe: debates
for a moment whether to involve them immediately or later, chooses later Thank you. We'll take that up with Michael in the
next day or two. We need to discuss the punishment for your part in this.
Chris: I keep
telling you, I didn't even KNOW about the conversation if I HAD I wouldn't have
joined in, it was horrible.
Joe: I'm
very glad to hear that, but it doesn't change the fact that you made a bad
decision by allowing someone else use of your account, and that you're now
suspended from school for four days, does it?
Chris: I'm
suspended for something I didn't do. Mike has been using my account for two
years. I didn't mind, I don't go on the forum and he likes to.
Joe: You're
assigned a private password for a reason. You're responsible for anything that
gets posted under your name, which is how the University wants it to be, so
they can monitor their students and try to prevent what happened today. That
account needs to be used by you alone. Mike can afford to pay for access and if
he can't, then he doesn't need to participate in the first place.
Chris:I THOUGHT I could trust mike
Joe: I
would have thought so as well, but that doesn't make it right that you gave him
access to your privileged account.
Chris: I
didn't know that applied to someone who's a very close friend.
Joe: The
University wouldn't assign you a private password if they cared who used what
account.
Chris: no, and
I wouldn't give mine to just anyone
Joe: You
shouldn't give it to ANYone.
Chris: OKAY, I
get it! I trusted someone, who did something I wasn't even involved in, I'M
suspended, I'M in major trouble, YOU're mad at me and I'll never bloody touch
another computer! Happy now?
Joe: No,
I'm very far FROM happy, as will you be if you speak like that to me again. LOOKING
Chris: I'm
sorry. But it's been a horrible day, I'm horribly in the wrong, and I didn't
actually do anything
Joe: No,
I can imagine it hasn't been a great day, but it's not horrible or horribly
wrong.
Chris: I
got suspended. You're carrying on like I killed someone.
Joe: Stop
with the dramatics, Sunshine. Your suspension is serious – it stays on your
records, it makes learning a lot harder, and had you had any tests during these
four days, it would have a serious affect on your grade. School is hard enough
without the additional problems this brings along.
Chris: really
on the brink of losing it. I.
Know. I had noticed. I'll go and cut my throat on the front lawn if that will
make you any more convinced that I Get This.
Joe: What
did I JUST say?
Chris: AGAIN
that you don't think I'm feeling sufficiently bad about this!
Joe: Face
the corner. pointing
Chris: No. Getting
up, heading for the bathroom
I've had it with this. I've had a lousy day, I expected SOME understanding.
Joe: turns,
but doesn't move, voice changes
Christopher Stevens, WHAT did you just say to me?
Chris: That I
expected some understanding Joseph, not blame. Slams the bathroom door
behind him
and
I would have used Joe's surname but I can't remember it
he
doesn't have one?
I
THINK it might be Robertson but I'm not sure
Yes
sorry
lol.
he's a little ****
this
is Chris. Sell him to a drama company
ALL
of your brats are like that.
and
you don't ever lose your temper?
lol
Joe: You
have until the count of three to get yourself back in here, or I'm coming in
there with the strap. ONE.
Chris: Exploding
out of the bathroom GO ON
THEN. I don't bloody CARE! You can't make this day any worse anyway!
Joe: takes
him by the arm and over to the bed
You have NO idea. pulls him down across his knees and starts spanking him
which
is really going to cheer him up
lol
Chris: Fights
for a moment, then bursts into floods of tears
Joe: yanks
down the pjs and spanks for a few minutes more, making sure his bottom is hot
and stinging, pulls the pants back up and sets him on his feet Corner.
Chris: Goes,
sobbing
Joe: gets
up and straightens up the bed, trying to settle himself down and keep an eye on
Chris at the same time
Chris: Still
crying, not just reaction but thoroughly miserable
Joe: gives
them both about ten minutes to settle, sits down in the big chair in the room,
voice still stern, but kind
Come here.
Chris: Goes
to him, arms folded tightly. Not defiant, defensive
Joe: Sit
down. pulls him down into his lap, puts an arm around him
Chris: Sobbing
starts again but arms stay folded
Joe: rubs
his shoulder, not saying anything
Chris: makes
himself calm down
Joe: I'm
sorry that Michael has put you into this position.
Chris: doesn't
answer
Joe: It
wasn't fair of him and you have every right to be angry with him.
Chris: still
doesn't answer
Joe: The
rules are what they are. The Dean I'm sure, believes that you had nothing to do
with the writing, but his hands are tied because University policy tells him
what to do.
Chris: I told
you I got that
Joe: Then
all that needs to happen is you serve your four days of suspension, knowing
your conscience is clear because you didn't take part in the ugliness that
happened.
Chris: doesn't
answer, not looking at him
Joe: Chris.
Chris: yes
Joe: What's
bothering you the most?
Chris: I don't
know
Joe: Mad
at the university?
Chris: I don't
know
Joe: Break
it down. I know you're mad at Michael, right?
Chris: I
suppose
Joe: Why
is it only suppose? He said some pretty bad things in your name.
Chris: That
doesn't have anything to do with it. I don't even know what the thread was
really about, he was involved in it and I know Mike isn't mean, he just lost
his temper. And he never pretended to BE me, he just accesses the forum through
my email account
Joe: That's
fair enough, but his loss of temper has gotten you suspended as part of the
whole problem.
Chris: He
didn't mean that to happen and he doesn't even know about it yet.
Joe: Are
you mad at me?
Chris: I'm
tired, let's just go to bed and finish this in the morning.
Joe: No,
I want an answer. Are you mad at me?
Chris: yes,
ok, I am
Joe: It's
okay to be. Why in particular?
Chris: Because
this was hard enough without you blaming me too
Joe: Honey,
I never blamed you for the writing. You said you didn't do it and I believed
you. The reason I got upset with you was because I asked for the name of the
person that did that. You refused. That isn't how we work and I needed you to
understand that.
Chris: I don't
mean that. I meant I really didn't need to hear a lecture on how stupid I was
to trust one of my closest friends and just how bad this has made things at
school. tears starting to overflow again I'm upset and scared enough about that, I GET the
picture, I didn't actually DO anything wrong here. And I incidentally didn't
see the point in making Mike's life miserable either, he didn't mean this to
happen.
Joe: How
many times do things happen that you know very well you're in trouble for, and
why, and that I still lecture you on? Every time I lecture you, you're not
totally surprised by what I have to say, are you?
Chris: no
Joe: This
is no different.
Chris: it is.
I could have used some understanding and support, not you of all people trying
to make me feel still worse about this. Slides off Joe's lap, just
wanting to go away
Joe: snags
his wrist We're not finished
here. Sit back down.
Chris: Goes
where he's pulled, not outwardly fighting, but no eye contact
Joe: I
am always here to support you, but you know very well how I handle defiance.
You defied me by refusing to tell me it was Mike when I asked, didn't you?
Chris: I'm not
talking about that
Joe: I
am, and I expect an answer.
Chris: yes, ok
Joe: I
can't support you, until you support us.
Chris: that
isn't fair
Joe: It's
not fair that I ask you to participate in our relationship before I can help
you?
Chris: Pulls
firmly out of his arms and gets up
I'm sorry. I'm very sorry.
is
what joe saying coming out right?
or
is chris just being selective?
I
don't know. I'm seeing only through Chris's eyes so it's hard to tell? I'd see
it that he's going to feel he can't win this whatever he says
I
was trying to have Joe say, he refused to give the name, thus earned punishment
and that had to be overcome before they could continue to deal with the issue.
It
didn't unfold like that though- Chris might feel that he was punished for
losing his temper and arguing back, or that Joe is saying in a way he deserved
not to be sympathised with or supported because he didn't play fair
sigh
lol
it's not supposed to be easy
Joe: Chris,
come back here.
Chris: I'm
sorry. I really am sorry. You're right, I'm wrong. I'm going to bed.
Joe: Christopher.
Chris: What?
Joe: Come.
Here.
Chris: Goes
to him, just about holding together from another explosion
Joe: gets
up, puts Chris in the chair and squats down at eye level in front of him What are you feeling?
Chris: Laughs,
since it's that or cry or throttle him Take a wild guess!
Joe: You're
mad at me but you're not telling me why.
Chris: I KEEP
telling you why. I feel let down. I'm mad at you, I'm mad at the dean and I
don't want to talk about this any further.
Joe: I
let you down because I didn't listen?
Chris: No. I
said. I give in. You're right. I got it wrong. I screwed up. I'm the one who
was stupid.
Joe: And
I said that wasn't true, didn't I?
did
he?
I'm
saying yes?
Ok
- can't remember exactly what he said
I
know he told him he wasn't stupid, etc
ok
Chris: I FEEL
stupid.
Joe: I
can understand that. You trusted Michael and he let you down. You weren't
stupid though.
Chris: Well
I'm getting this wrong aren't I?
Joe: Stop
it Christopher. You've had a bad experience today but you don't need to borrow
yet more trouble by saying things like that.
Chris: There
is nothing I can say to you that isn't going to get me into more trouble!
Joe: That
isn't true. You can always say how you feel, but you know I'm not listening to
you call yourself names.
Chris: can I
please go to bed?
Joe: .........yes?
LOL
if not PLEASE go to bed. In another state.
Chris: Thankyou.
Goes to the bathroom, shuts the door
Hey!
well
you told Chris he could go to bed
thats
what i wanted to do. lol
yes.
PLEASE go to bed.
get
that again from before joe said yes
ok
Chris: There
is nothing I can say to you that isn't going to get me into more trouble!
Joe: That
isn't true. You can always say how you feel, but you know I'm not listening to
you call yourself names.
Chris: can I
please go to bed?
Joe: No,
we're not leaving this without sorting it all out.
Chris: It is
sorted out. I'm sorry. I apologise.
Joe: What
are you apologising for?
Chris: anything
you like
Joe: That,
young man, is not going to cut it.
Chris: then
what do you want?
to
hide
gggrrrr
LOL
checkmate?
Joe: What
I want is for you to tell me why you ended up getting ready for bed immediately
after dinner.
Chris: because
you were mad I wouldn't tell you the name you wanted
Joe: Very
good. Does that have anything to do you being suspended and how I feel about that?
Chris: I don't
know. All I know is you're mad I got suspended, you're mad I let Mike have my
password although I trust him and I know him about as well as anyone, and
you're mad I wouldn't tell you Mike's name
Joe: You
didn't trust me to tell me his name.
Chris: Because
you were about to go storming up to the school and raise caine.
Joe: Whether
I did that or not is beside the question, as it's my choice first. I asked for
Mike's name and you refused to give it to me. That bothered me a lot, Christopher.
You didn't trust me to do what I thought was right, you took those options from
me. That isn't your choice to make, is it?
Chris: what do
you WANT me to do? Drop a good friend right in it? I didn't see any point in
getting HIM into serious trouble with you and Eric and the school when I'm
already neck deep!
Joe: That
isn't your choice.
Chris: you
think Mike will see it like that? Because I don't
Joe: Christopher.
That isn't your choice. When I asked for the name, you needed to give it to me.
THEN we can talk about what to do with that information.
Chris: yes. it
was when you calmed down and got to that point I told you remember? initially
you were about to storm into school with all guns blazing
Joe: That
was before I knew the name. You further know that I would do nothing to hurt
you, don't you?
Chris: Of
course I do, but I don't want you ringing Eric and going ballistic, or going to
school and going ballistic
Joe: That
isn't your choice.
Chris: great
Joe: Hey.
I didn't say that I wouldn't listen to you. Or that I'd go off half cocked.
What I want you to understand is, I asked for the name and I expected to be
told. And if I'm not, then you're being disobedient and I WILL deal with that
first.
Chris: For
which I've said I'm sorry about twenty times now.
Joe: THAT
is why you were sent upstairs to get ready for bed and why I refused to talk
any more about what happened. NOT because I didn't care.
Chris: That
isn't what I'm saying. What I said was I didn't need to be made to feel more
guilty and more upset about this as though I've done something terrible. I
haven't. I actually haven't.
there
isn't anything else joe can say
why
not?
he
doesn't get the idea. he trusted mike, yes, but his account was his alone. and
he's now out of school for 4 days and should rightfully be punished for that,
but not to the same degree as if he'd written the letter. i already tried
explaining that to him once
gosh
and that didn't work?
If
he's too upset to hear it, he isn't going to hear it. What do you think should
happen now?
I
guess go to bed. then I'm not sure if joe should call eric, its still early
evening, or if they should wait until the morning. But joe isn't going to let
chris stay home alone during his 4 days off
Ok,
that makes sense. Id think if he's in a state and feeling thoroughly and
unfairly got at - which if he's spent his day being told off at college
somewhat unfairly he will be - then it makes more sense to calm him down now
and sort it out with him when he's calmer. And it's up to Joe when and how he
lets Eric know, but he would need Mike to know ASAP about the forum situation
before Mike causes any further trouble by posting there
ok.
Joe: still
squatting and looking for a long minute Okay, I think it's time for bed. We'll discuss this further tomorrow.
Chris: What
else is there to discuss? I'm sorry. I'm sorry I ever let mike near that
computer, I'm sorry I'm out of school and that upsets me a lot more than I look
if you don't think I'm upset enough-
Joe: getting
up that's enough Christopher.
I know you're upset, which is why I think right now is a good time to settle
down and try to sleep. Things will be a little more clear and less hurtful in
the morning. holding out his hand to help chris up
Chris: Gets
up, not taking it
Joe: puts
hand down, waiting
Chris: Goes
across to the bed, gets in
Joe: comes
over and tucks the blanket in, leans over for a kiss
Chris: Allows
him, but doesn't respond
which
really is VILE
Joe: Sweet
dreams. I'll be up in a while. heads out, turning off the light
Chris: Turns
over, tries not to dissolve into tears until he's out of earshot
Joe: heads
downstairs, logs back into Chris' account and figures out how and changes the
password
Chris: Crying,
quietly
Joe: Calls
Eric's home
Mike: Hi?
Joe: Just
the person I wanted to talk to. It's Joe.
Mike: Hi,
Cheerful What can I do
for you?
Joe: I'd
like to know what you were thinking, posting that horrible mail onto the
University forum this morning?
Mike: Freezes
in absolute shock
Joe: Michael?
Mike: I
- er -
Joe: I'm
waiting.
Mike: It
was part of a thread - if you didn't see the whole thread -
Joe: I
saw enough. Do you realise that Chris has been suspended for four days because
of that mail?
Mike: what?!
Joe: he
Dean has suspended anyone that participated in that particular thread. Your
post was done through Chris' account, and thus he's been suspended.
Mike: Oh
God. Joe, I swear, Chris never saw a word of that thread. I haven't seen him
all week so he didn't even know about the conversation, he doesn't read the
forums.
Joe: That's
what he said. He's pretty upset about it and wouldn't give up your name for
some time. Neither have you been mentioned to the Dean.
Mike: I'll
go straight in first thing in the morning and explain it was me. I'm so sorry,
this has nothing at all to do with Chris.
Joe: back
to his usually nice tone Thank
you. May I speak to Eric a moment?
Mike: He's
here. breathing down Mike's neck having worked out the conversation isn't
a happy one
Joe: Thank
you. Eric?
Eric: Hi,
what's the problem?
Joe: I'll
let Mike explain it in full. Seems that Mike participated in a thread of
discussion on the University boards that wasn't very nice. The Dean has since
suspended anyone that had a part in it. Since Mike used Chris's account, he's
the one that was suspended.
Eric: Oh
no. taking that in Is
this a case of Mike just explaining to fix this?
Joe: I
hope so, but I'm not sure. Chris wouldn't give him up and even if he had, the
Dean wouldn't have been able to just believe it wasn't Chris himself. Having
Mike explain it might help Chris, I don't know. I'm going to work from home
tomorrow, since Chris won't be in class. Mike hasn't been able to apologize to
Chris and I think tomorrow would be a good time for that.
Eric: I'm
sure he'll be wanting to. Is Chris ok? Not easy standing the shock of this kind
of thing anyway, never mind if he hasn't actually done it!
Joe: He
will be. It was a rough night, but mostly because he refused to mention Mike
until it was almost too late. He's in bed now, things will look better in the
morning.
Eric: Poor
Chris. I take it you read the thread? I won't be able to access it and Mike
will not be using that account again- do you know how bad it was?
Joe: I've
changed the password but you're welcome to access it to read. You probably
should, just to get the whole picture, and no, it wasn't very nice. First
initial, last name, password is graytrail.
Eric: Thank
you, I'll take a look. I'd like to know what we're talking about. My sincerest
apologies to you and Chris, if we can fix this we will.
Joe: Thanks,
I'm sure Mike will do the right thing. Talk to you tomorrow.
Eric: Goodnight. Hangs up. Kills mike
lol
Joe: does
whatever someone does before going to bed, goes up about 10
Chris: Still
awake, no longer sobbing but still tearful
Joe: gets
ready for bed, slides in, gentle and calm What are you still doing awake?
Chris: playing
bingo
Joe: sighs I called and talked to Mike. He was very upset to
hear that you'd gotten suspended.
Chris: I told
you he would be. He didn't mean to do any harm.
Joe: He's
going to head over to talk to the Dean and see if he can get anything settled
with him.
Chris: They
won't listen. I tried.
Joe: It's
not going to hurt though.
Chris: I
suppose not.
Joe: turns
out the light Come here.
Chris: I'm ok.
Joe: pulls
him over to lie against him and rubs his back
Chris: Not
resisting, still trembling, but not coming any closer either
Joe: It's
going to be alright sweetheart. That i can promise.
Chris: it
isn't, is it! I've got a mark on my permanent record for something I didn't
even do!
Joe: We're
going to wait and see what Mike can accomplish tomorrow. Then if we don't get
anywhere at that point, maybe we both can go in and talk to the Dean.
Chris: How do
you think that makes me look Joe?
Joe: It
makes you look like you're taking this seriously.
Chris: To take
my boyfriend in with me to fight my battles?
Joe: This
isn't a battle we're fighting. It's a situation we're trying to resolve. It helps
to have someone in your corner, to suggest things that you may not think of, or
just to be there to offer moral support. I'm not taking up a fight for you, I'm
there to support you.
Chris: It just
doesn't look very good to the authorities.
Joe: How
do you know?
Chris: I feel
like I'm asking my mum to come to school with me
Joe: Hon,
I don't have to be there if you really don't want me.
Chris: OF
COURSE I BLOODY WANT YOU, WHAT DO YOU THINK I'M SO BLOODY UPSET ABOUT?
Joe: There
is no need to yell. If you want me there, you know I'll be there. And you don't
need to worry about what ANYone else thinks of me being there.
Chris: Shot
his bolt, tears overwhelming
Joe: Rubbing
his shoulders, comforting
Chris: Finally
turns over and clings to him
Just DON'T be mad at me. I can't handle you as well as everyone else.
Joe: I'm
not mad at you, you don't need to worry about that at all.
Chris: Then
why did you carry on at me about it? sobbing I DIDN'T write the mails. I don't even USE the
forum and Mike doesn't post under my name, he doesn't pretend to be me
Joe: I
wasn't carrying on at you about the mails.
Chris: You
were mad about me letting Mike write them and getting suspended. I didn't DO
anything
Joe: Shhhh.
I'm not mad. It's late, lets get some sleep.
Chris: You ARE
mad. You were mad all evening
Joe: We're
not discussing this anymore tonight.
Chris: Sobbing
Joe: Rubbing
his shoulders Shhhh, settle
down, it's going to be alright.
Chris: Gradually
calms
Joe: Keeps
rubbing, waiting for him to finally fall to sleep
Chris: Takes
a while but does finally doze off
Joe: Goes
to sleep soon after
Chris: Sleeps
through, tired out
Joe: wakes
up, leaving Chris to sleep and makes something for breakfast
Chris: wakes
slowly, very tired and headachy from last night
Joe: comes
upstairs You're awake. I've
got breakfast on the table, come on down.
Chris: Gets
up, slowly
Joe: Not
feeling so well?
Chris: headache
Joe: I'll
get you some Tylenol. heads downstairs
Chris: Thanks.
Washes his face, head pounding, gulps water and heads downstairs
Joe: waffles
and sausage on the table, orange juice and two tylenol in Chris' spot. Joe hugs
him, kisses his forehead good
morning.
Chris: Hugs
him back Good morning. Sorry
for being so vile last night
Joe: You
weren't THAT vile. Get your tylenol and something in your stomach and I'm sure
today will get better quicker.
Chris: Are you
coming in with me this morning?
Joe: To
school?
Chris: yes
Joe: We're
going to wait until we here from Mike or Eric, after their meeting with the
Dean.
Chris: Nods,
slowly, trying to eat
Joe: We're
going to need more waffle mix, don't let me forget to write that on our list.
Chris: Ok. Picking
Joe: finishes
up his breakfast I'd like for
you to email your professors first thing and ask for the work you need to do
from yesterday and today.
Chris: Yes
sir.
Joe: I
changed your password last night, it's now graytrail.
Chris: yes
sir.
Joe: Finished
with breakfast?
Chris: no sir.
Joe: Want
anything else at the moment?
Chris: No
thanks. I'll finish this.
Joe: Okay.
I'm going to call the office and check in. gets up to put his plate in
the dishwasher
Chris: Sits,
trying to finish the waffle
Joe: heads
down to the office and calls in
Chris: Gets
up, loads the dishwasher and puts it on
Joe: still
on the phone
Chris: Gets
himself another drink of water, goes to start up the computer
Joe: hangs
up the phone
Chris: Opens
email
Joe: looking
over notes he'd taken from the phone call
Chris: Joe
Joe: Yes?
Chris: Sits
back, mail open
Joe: What
is it? looking over
Chris: Hate
mail
Joe: About
the thread?
Chris: yes.
Someone who was upset about what 'I' wrote. It's horrible.
Joe: comes
over and puts his hands on Chris' shoulder. Close that down and get the emails
to the professors.
Chris: Shuts
it, opens another email, shaken
Joe: chris.
Leave the mails alone. Email your professors, please.
Chris: Writes
the mail
Joe: Got
them finished?
Chris: yes sir
Joe: Get
yourself into the tub for a soak.
Chris: Goes
upstairs, still shaken from the content of the mail
Joe: goes
over and opens up the different mails, getting thoroughly mad
Chris: Lies
in the bath, trying to calm down and convince himself it wasn't him it was
aimed at
Joe: composes
a blanket email and prints it out, heads up to the bath, knocks How's the bath doing?
Chris: Its
ok. looks back at him did you read those mails?
Joe: Yes.
I composed a response to send anyone that writes. What do you think? hands
it to him
Chris: reads
it, flinches Ouch
Joe: People
respond without knowing the whole story and I'd rather let them know that
immediately. It's not mean or argumentative, just states the facts as they are,
along with an apology for your name being dragged into the mess.
Chris: You
want to send that to everyone?
Joe: I'd
like your permission to send that to anyone that writes hate mail. I'll monitor
it myself for a few days.
Chris: ok. I
don't think I'm ever going in that mail box again
Joe: I
don't blame you. I'll check through it for your replies on homework, the rest
you don't need to worry about. I'll go do that now.
Chris: thankyou
Joe: heads
downstairs and returns the few emails that are needed, shuts that program down
and starts working on some stuff he needs to do.
Chris: Gets
out and dries, dresses
Joe: working
in the office
Chris: Comes
down and leans on his shoulders, folding arms around his neck
Joe: Headache
gone?
Chris: No.
Joe: Come
around here. moves chair back and pulls him down in his lap
Chris: leans
back against him, wanting the contact
Joe: massages
the back of his neck for a few minutes
Chris: Leans
back against his hand That's
nice. I've got homework to do. What are you working on.
Joe: I
have a brief due in court on Friday that I'm working on. What homework do you
have at the moment?
Chris: Nothing
special. Revision for a quiz. Reading.
Joe: Why
don't you turn the radio on and stretch out on the couch for a few minutes, see
if that won't help the tylenol to work,?
Chris: I ought
to work
Joe: You've
got nothing but time today. Rest for a bit, then get started on it. I need to
shower, I feel like a bum working in my pjs!
Chris: You
look like one too. But don't shave on my account. kisses his cheek
Joe: hugs
him, puts him on his feetI'll
be back down in a few minutes.
Chris: Goes
in to the sofa, stretches out, shuts his eyes and tries to stop his head
pounding
Joe: showers
and dresses
Chris: turns
over, tries to get comfortable
Joe: heads
downstairs and into living room
Would you like some iced tea?
Chris: Yes
please
Joe: goes
in and makes two glasses, hands him one I'm going back to the office to continue working. I'll check back in
a few minutes and see how you're doing.
Chris: I'm ok.
When it eases off I'll get some reading done
Joe: Make
sure that tv stays off. heads into the office and starts working on his
brief
Chris: Shuts
his eyes, trying to calm down the pounding
Joe: working
think
mike will get anyone to change their minds on the 4 days suspension?
I
don't know?
seems
like if chris said it, he couldn't necessarily be believed. But if the person
that wrote it said it, then it does make chris look less guilty. i'm not sure
that he should still be suspended the whole time
i
don't know.
I
don't think so. It would be hard to prove, but I really wouldn't blame chris
much if at all
probably
given time served and a reminder that his account is his only, because you can
see what happens
?
that
sounds right
who
will call first? think mike/eric will stop by after their talk and then the school
will call to tell Chris he can come back?
I'd
think Mike and Eric would call in and say it's gone to meeting, and then the
school call later
Chris: Aching,
trying to find some how to lie that doesn't hurt
Joe: working
Chris: Joe?
Joe: gets
up and comes through Yes?
Chris: This is
going to be a migrane. I'm going to take the heavy duty stuff
Joe: Let
me get that for you then. ruffles his hair, heads upstairs to get the
good stuff
Chris: Shuts
his eyes, trying to stop the room moving
Joe: comes
back down with the drugs Here
you go.
Chris: Thanks.
Takes the capsules
Joe: Want
to stay here or try lying in bed?
Chris: Here?
It's cooler. Can you put the burner on?
whats
a burner?
um.
You put lavender oil in the top and a candle/hot stone underneath and it heats
the oil, makes the scent strong
Joe: I'll
do that. gets up and turns that on, then pulls the curtains closed over
the window to block out some of the light Relax now, and try not to think about school. I'm sure that's what's
got you started.'
Chris: It'll
go off in a bit
Joe: I'll
check on it. Relax now. heads back into the office
Chris: Concentrates
on lying still
Joe: working
Chris: Gets
up, goes into the bathroom
Joe: working
Chris: Stands
for a few minutes trying to settle his stomach, then throws up
Joe: thinking
he's taking a while, gets up and heads towards the bathroom
Chris: Clutching
the sink, getting his breath back
Joe: Chris?
Are you alright?
Chris: Hit
by another bout
Joe: opens
the door
what
DO you do for someone who's getting sick??
Joe: gets a cold washrag and
a glass of water ready, talking soothingly
Leave
'em alone until they feel better I suppose- it depends on how the person feels
about it, I hate an audience
Chris: straightens
up, flushes the loo and takes the water to rinse his mouth out, shaky and eyes
watering Thanks. I'm ok, just
the migrane
Joe: washes
his face when he's done with the water Let's get you back on the couch, hmmm?
Chris: Thanks.
I'd love a cup of tea.
Joe: I'll
make us both one. follows him out to the living room, then heads into the
kitchen to make the tea
Chris: curls
up on the sofa, pain a little better
Joe: brings
tea through a few minutes later
Here you go.
Chris: thanks.
sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you
Joe: You
didn't disturb me. Is the pain a little better now?
Chris: yes,
its easing off
Joe: runs
a hand through his hair Your
eyes are a little clearer too.
Chris: That'll
be the worst of it over. what are you working on?
Joe: Still
on the brief. I needed a break anyway.
Chris: sips
tea, tired, about ready to fall asleep. door bell rings
Joe: That
may be Eric and Mike. puts down tea and goes to the door
Chris: sincerely
hoping not
Joe: opens
door
Eric: Hi Joe. eric with an acutely embarrassed mike
Joe: Hello
Eric, Mike. Come in. holding the door open to let them enter
Mike: gos
in, Mike looking about ready to let the floor swallow him up I'm really sorry about everything Joe
who
said? mike?
Joe: I
was surprised. I didn't expect to see your name connected with something like
that.
Mike: flushing
still darker No sir. I'm sorry
you saw it
Joe: Sorry
I saw it, or sorry that it was done at all?
oooohhh,
he's mean. lol
LOL
no kidding!
Mike: still
darker, mumbles something incoherent
sorry,
i'm laughing here
why?
i
don't know.
LOL
Ok.
guess
because i can make eric say something too
LOL
go for it, gang up why don't you
Joe: lets
that go Did you get a meeting
with the Dean this morning?
Eric: Eric,
looking sternly at Mike You
can do better than that.
Mike: shifting
weight on his feet, still looking at the floor I'm sorry anything was said at all.
Eric: We
saw the dean. I'm afraid he won't budge. He was extremely unhappy with Michael,
but the rules stand that the account holder is liable.
Joe: shakes
head Thank you for trying.
Eric: We
really did. Mike tried very hard. But they're stuck to their rules. Apparently
they used the same policy they use for online plagiarism, which is the account
holder is legally liable - you're the lawyer, you'll know this better than me.
Joe: Yes,
it's in the contracts and the only legal way should they be taken to court to
show who actually wrote the stuff. I wasn't sure if they'd budge or not, but it
was certainly worth a try.
Eric: I'm
very sorry Chris is carrying the can. Mike assured me he had no idea of the
content of the conversation
Joe: Thankyou.
Chris said he hadn't known and I believed him. I think Mike owes the apology to
Chris but he's not feeling well at the moment.
Eric: I'm
sorry to hear that. He must have had a very stressful evening
Joe: He
was pretty upset about it all.
Eric: I'm
sure he was. I'm suspending Mike since the college won't. And if there's
anything we can do to help please let us know.
Joe: Thank
you again for trying with the Dean today. Chris isn't missing anything
important and he'll be getting his homework assignments taken care of.
Eric: I'm
very glad, I'm just sorry he's had to be affected at all when he's done nothing
wrong. Tell him how sorry we are? Come on Mike. I hope Chris is feeling better
soon.
Joe: Thank
you. sees them out
pooooooor
mike. lol
LOL
I get the impression he is very dead
yes
very
very very dead
poor
boy
Chris: Trying
to hide in a corner of the sofa
Have they gone?
Joe: Yes.
comes over and sits down, takes his hand Mike wanted to apologize but I told him you
werent' feeling well.
Chris: heartfelt thank you. Did they change anyone's mind?
Joe: shakes
his head no No, I'm sorry. The
school is sticking to their guns about that.
Chris: Doesn't
say anything but looks down
Joe: It's
going to be alright.
Chris: I'm so
sorry
Joe: Why?
You did nothing more than trust a friend.
Chris: I still
got suspended. Which is always going to look bad.
Joe: We
can write a letter to be inserted into your file if you'd like. Explain our
side, and that we understand why the school suspended you, just that you didn't
participate in the flaming that took place. That should fix what employers will
see and there shouldn't be a problem.
Chris: That's
a good idea, that really is. I'd feel a lot better about that.
Joe: We'll
get that done in the next few days then. I think you should take another dose
of painkillers as you lost some of that earlier and relax until lunch.
Chris: I knew
I had a good reason for hanging around with a lawyer. Gets up to get the
painkillers, leans over to hug Joe
Joe: laughs,
hugs him back Glad that degree
was worth something.
Chris: Definitely.
Goes to get painkillers
Joe: gets
up and takes the mugs back through to the kitchen
Chris: Takes
two painkillers, blinking a bit in the light Can I go and sit outside? It's fresher out
there?
Joe: Maybe
after lunch. Rest on the couch, that way you might actually get some sleep out
of it.
Chris: Ok. Goes
back into the lounge, curls up on the couch
Joe: heads
back into the office to work
Chris: Quickly falls asleep
yay!
Copyright Rolf and Ranger 2010
Labels:
Chris and Joe,
Eric and Michael,
MMR Stories,
Rolf and Ranger
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Most of the artwork on the blog is by Canadian artist Steve Walker.
What's New - July 2021
Rolf and Ranger’s Next Book will be called The Mary Ellen Carter. The Mary Ellen Carter and other works in progress can be read at either the Falls Chance Ranch Discussion Group or the Falls Chance Forum before they are posted here at the blog. So come and talk to the authors and be a part of a work in progress.
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