Chapter 26 (Draft): Landslide

​CHAPTER 26
At the summit of Twin Peaks, the soft melodies of classic rock permeated the air, with Fleetwood Mac's "Landslide" providing an ideal auditory backdrop to the panoramic view. The music harmoniously intertwined with the subdued hum of the city below, fostering a serene ambiance. From this elevated perspective, the expansive cityscape revealed itself as vibrant, featuring the iconic Bay Bridge extending majestically across the bay. Skyscrapers punctuated the night sky in the distance, their windows reflecting like a myriad of tiny mirrors as Travis and Zeno shared a joint in Travis's jeep.

The city's breathtaking beauty appeared to contrast sharply with the internal turmoil they experienced. While the city lights emanated a sense of tranquility and order, their hearts were burdened with confusion and unresolved tension after meeting Ahab and Precious. In that moment, the peacefulness of their environment starkly contrasted with the intricate complexities of their intertwined emotions.

"I am still processing all of this," Travis stated.

"I recognize that my marriage to Abel was a mistake," Zeno acknowledged. "It isn't legally valid or recognized here in the United States."

"You exchanged vows with each other in Copenhagen. Regardless of its legal status here, you made a commitment to Abel in Denmark, where marriage between two men is legally recognized."

"Does that bother you?"

"After hearing it tonight with Ahab and Precious, yes it does. I am bothered by it. Abel is your husband. That's more than just two men living together. I am bothered. I hate it." Travis always believed in the sanctity of commitment, and the revelation that Zeno had married someone else, even if it was abroad, felt like a breach of trust. As he grappled with his emotions, he couldn't help but wonder how this revelation would impact their relationship moving forward.

His words hung heavy in the air, echoing the deep sense of frustration and longing that accompanied their reality. Despite the picturesque setting, the disparity between their personal commitment and societal acceptance appeared large, casting a shadow over their moment of calm. It was a poignant reminder that love, while powerful, often faced obstacles that required more than just personal resolve to overcome.

"Didn't you consider your relationship with Clarence to be like a marriage, too?" Zeno said, passing the joint to Travis. "What makes what I did in Denmark any different than Clarence being your domestic partner here in San Francisco? He was legally yours; you were legally his."

"Let’s talk about Clarence," Travis said. "I haven't shared all the details before." He took a deep breath. "You’re right. Clarence was more than just a partner; he was my anchor and confidant. Losing him has been incredibly challenging. I never wanted to hide anything from you, but I was afraid it might change things between us if I told you how he really died."

"You only mentioned he passed away in Georgia?"

"That is correct, he did pass away in Georgia."

"Was he sick for a long time?"

"Not exactly."

"I don't understand. He wasn't much older than you."

"That is also correct. He was a few years older. I didn’t know he was sick. He never told me about it before he left for Georgia."
​
"What happened?" Zeno asked as they listened to Marvin Gaye's "Sexual Healing" while sharing a nearly finished joint. The song's themes of healing and comfort contrasted sharply with the somber mood of their conversation, offering a momentary escape from the heaviness of the topic. Zeno reflected on life's unpredictable rhythm, intertwined with moments of joy and sorrow.

“He contracted the virus that has been circulating, commonly referred to as Gay Men's Syndrome or GRID,” Travis said, feeling resentment. “The government's response was insufficient to save Clarence, and the stigma surrounding homosexuality puts us all at risk.”

Zeno reflected on the importance of community support during such crises. "I've read about it," Zeno said, his voice a blend of fear and empathy. "I've lost several friends, and the speed at which it spreads is alarming. It underscores the fragility of life and the need to value our time together. I've been tested as well."

"Have you learned the outcome?"

"Although the result is currently negative, I received an extensive briefing on the numerous risks associated not only with that but also other sexually transmitted diseases. Travis, considering your long-term relationship with Clarence, you were also likely exposed."

"I've been with you, too. We never used condoms. Not one time."

"I know,” Zeno said, feeling a wave of relief mixed with anxiety as he processed the implications of their conversation. The fear of the unknown was bigger than he wanted to think about, but their shared vulnerability brought a sense of closeness and understanding between them. He realized that navigating through such a crisis required trust, honesty, and a deeper connection with those around him. “So what? We swallowed a hundred times. You’re inside of me, I’m in you. We can’t change that.”

"No one informed us in time," Travis said. "We were left in the dark until it was too late."

"It's frustrating and scary," Zeno continued, his voice shaking slightly. "We need to be more careful from now on. Let's get tested again and make sure we're both okay. And from now on, we will take every precaution."

"I haven't been tested."

"Why not? I got tested. Rather, Abel made me get tested at Davis Medical Center with Dr. Price."

"Perhaps, Abel isn’t so bad after all. He saved you for me. I’m elated to hear you don’t have it.” He paused, his heart raced with conflicting emotions, torn between relief and lingering suspicion. The possibility of hidden motives gnawed at him, leaving him on edge. Despite the good news that Zeno was negative, a sense of unease lingered in the back of his mind of himself. “Zeno, what if I have it? What if I lose you..." Travis's voice cracked, and he began to cry. His fear was overwhelming, leaving him feeling vulnerable and exposed. The uncertainty gnawed at him, making it hard to think clearly or find comfort in Zeno's words. Each sob was a release of the anxiety that had been building inside him, a testament to the weight of the unknown that he was struggling to bear.

"I don't care," Zeno embraced him tightly, stroking his silky blond hair. "I don't care if you have it or not. I'm not leaving you, Travis. I will never leave you. If it's meant to be, I'll contract it too and die right by your side. I don’t think I could live without you. I love you like I've never loved anyone else in my life. I love you so much."

They kissed like it was their last, savoring the moment and the connection they shared. In that embrace, they found solace and strength, knowing their love would endure whatever challenges lay ahead.

Meanwhile Abel, visibly uneasy, glanced across the aisle at Maynard as they both secured their seatbelts, bracing against the violent turbulence. A storm had engulfed their path as they headed towards San Francisco, causing the private jet to shudder with each gust of wind. Abel observed Maynard, noting his fervent prayers, a sight he had never witnessed before.

The severity of the storm had instilled a profound fear in Maynard, evident in his tense demeanor and whispered pleas. Abel's own anxiety manifested as a knot in his stomach, his focus on breathing disrupted by the plane's erratic movements.

Despite his trepidation, Abel's concern for Maynard was evident. The luxurious cabin, with its plush leather seats and gleaming wood accents, felt increasingly fragile against the storm's fury. The soft ambient lighting flickered, casting eerie shadows across the once elegant, now unsettling, surroundings. The calming hum of the engines was drowned out by the relentless roar of the wind, transforming the opulent space into a gilded cage.

"We're going to be okay, Maynard," Abel reassured him. "We'll be sipping egg nogg very soon in San Francisco for Christmas Eve with Zeno, I am sure."

"I hope so, boss," Maynard replied, closing his eyes and whispering another prayer to God, hoping for their safe arrival.