least to my Doctor’s office, are an equalizer. It doesn’t matter if you can pay, it doesn’t matter where you are from, or what you are, because I have already sworn that I will do whatever I can to help you or to save your life.” Her voice cracked, she rubbed her eyes, and she continued. “The practice of medicine is just a place where, theoretically, all prejudices disappear . And, as a doctor, we help people because our hearts want us to. This picture is so beautifully human. It’s like the epitome of humanity. I love it and it hits me hard.”
“Thank you, Michelle, for sharing that with me, you are an amazing woman, and will be a great doctor.” My body was buzzing from the intensity of seeing the photograph and hearing her speak with such authority and purpose. She believed in what she was saying.
“So, David, the long version answer, no I do not care if you are gay, you’re human. That’s all that matters.” She, standing, opened her arms to give me a hug. Doctor Baritz doesn’t give hugs. Dr. Michelle does. I stood, opened my arms, and hugged her. My jeans wrinkled, and we held, embraced, for what seemed like forever. She tapped me twice. And it was then that I decided. This girl was going to help me. She would help me. I had to tell my father. Before she goes to college, she could figure out a way to help.
Help me. Be me.
Chapter 8
Show some respect
MARC. Treat people with respect, and people will respect you for being respectful. Always be respectful. My mother drilled this into my head from the time I was old enough to understand her speak. I found this to be true. I lived my life in a manner of being respectful. I didn’t necessarily respect everyone, but I treated everyone with respect, always. Treat everyone you encounter as if today is their last day on earth. The life you live will be your reward.
“Dude, have you had sex with her?” Adrian asked, as he hit me in the arm with the palm of his hand.
“Our relationship is private, you guys know that. Now, stop,” I responded.
“C’mon, Marc. Just tell us something. You’ve never really had a girlfriend. Give us something ,” said Marcus.
“Listen, I told you guys, I will tell you about her. Who she is. What she’s like. But. It is not fair to her or to us to give anyone intimate details about what we do. Do not ask again. It’s a matter of respect,” I responded in a stern voice.
We sat and ate ou r lunch. Joey and Adrian were the closest friends that I had ever had. Marcus moved here last year, and had become part of our group as soon as he moved here. We ate lunch together daily. I took another bite of my apple. I thought of Britney.
“Dude, cut that shit, it’s f ucking long,” Marcus remarked.
“No, I am not cutting it. I like it this way,” I responded. My hair gave me comfort, and had be come somewhat of a trademark.
I wanted this day to end. Britney and I were going to see each other after school. I looked at my watch. 11:50. Having her in my life. Experiencing her exist. These things made it difficult to not have her beside me every moment of the day. Her absence made me yearn for her presence.
“I’m going to the bathroom. Be back in a second,” I said.
“Me too,” said Joey.
We walked. Joey and I were close friends. His father had always treated me as if I were one of his own children. It wasn’t a replacement for a father, but it was nice to be around his family. He was Catholic, and had seven brothers. Not one sister. I didn’t envy what Joey had. I often wondered, however, how many brothers or sisters I may have had, had my father not died. What might have been different.
“Sorry if we made you mad back there, Bro,” Joey said, turning h is head toward me as he spoke.
“No problem, Joey. It’s just. Well. You know. I respect her. And I have to treat her with respect. Always. You can ’t love someone if you do not respect them,” I responded.
“I’m ready for this year to be
“Thank you, Michelle, for sharing that with me, you are an amazing woman, and will be a great doctor.” My body was buzzing from the intensity of seeing the photograph and hearing her speak with such authority and purpose. She believed in what she was saying.
“So, David, the long version answer, no I do not care if you are gay, you’re human. That’s all that matters.” She, standing, opened her arms to give me a hug. Doctor Baritz doesn’t give hugs. Dr. Michelle does. I stood, opened my arms, and hugged her. My jeans wrinkled, and we held, embraced, for what seemed like forever. She tapped me twice. And it was then that I decided. This girl was going to help me. She would help me. I had to tell my father. Before she goes to college, she could figure out a way to help.
Help me. Be me.
Chapter 8
Show some respect
MARC. Treat people with respect, and people will respect you for being respectful. Always be respectful. My mother drilled this into my head from the time I was old enough to understand her speak. I found this to be true. I lived my life in a manner of being respectful. I didn’t necessarily respect everyone, but I treated everyone with respect, always. Treat everyone you encounter as if today is their last day on earth. The life you live will be your reward.
“Dude, have you had sex with her?” Adrian asked, as he hit me in the arm with the palm of his hand.
“Our relationship is private, you guys know that. Now, stop,” I responded.
“C’mon, Marc. Just tell us something. You’ve never really had a girlfriend. Give us something ,” said Marcus.
“Listen, I told you guys, I will tell you about her. Who she is. What she’s like. But. It is not fair to her or to us to give anyone intimate details about what we do. Do not ask again. It’s a matter of respect,” I responded in a stern voice.
We sat and ate ou r lunch. Joey and Adrian were the closest friends that I had ever had. Marcus moved here last year, and had become part of our group as soon as he moved here. We ate lunch together daily. I took another bite of my apple. I thought of Britney.
“Dude, cut that shit, it’s f ucking long,” Marcus remarked.
“No, I am not cutting it. I like it this way,” I responded. My hair gave me comfort, and had be come somewhat of a trademark.
I wanted this day to end. Britney and I were going to see each other after school. I looked at my watch. 11:50. Having her in my life. Experiencing her exist. These things made it difficult to not have her beside me every moment of the day. Her absence made me yearn for her presence.
“I’m going to the bathroom. Be back in a second,” I said.
“Me too,” said Joey.
We walked. Joey and I were close friends. His father had always treated me as if I were one of his own children. It wasn’t a replacement for a father, but it was nice to be around his family. He was Catholic, and had seven brothers. Not one sister. I didn’t envy what Joey had. I often wondered, however, how many brothers or sisters I may have had, had my father not died. What might have been different.
“Sorry if we made you mad back there, Bro,” Joey said, turning h is head toward me as he spoke.
“No problem, Joey. It’s just. Well. You know. I respect her. And I have to treat her with respect. Always. You can ’t love someone if you do not respect them,” I responded.
“I’m ready for this year to be
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