Chapter 1
Go to Him
By Terry O’Reilly
Trent Hardy was running along a sandy beach at the edge of the ocean. The summer sun glinted off the waves which broke over the sand and swirled around his feet. He was dressed only in white linen clam diggers.
As he ran, flocks of seagulls rose from the sand before him. They circled overhead, punctuating the air with their signature strident calls, then settled again once he passed.
As his bare feet pounded the wet sand, he could hear the deep voice repeating over and over, Go to him. He’s waiting for you.
To whom the voice was referring, Trent didn’t know. He just knew he had to follow the voice’s command and find whomever it was.
He ran on and on, not knowing where he was running to, or why, only knowing that somewhere ahead was someone who was waiting for him.
In the distance Trent caught sight of a white pagoda on the sand. Between each of its archways, sheer white curtains waved in the ocean breeze.
As Trent drew closer, he could see someone standing within the structure. Trent’s excitement rose. Go to him. He’s waiting for you, continued to sound in his head.
As Trent drew closer, he slowed to a walk. He could see the person clearly now. It was a man. He had blond hair and was smiling at Trent. The man was young, handsome, and also dressed only in white clam diggers. He waved as Trent approached.
Trent was now at the steps of the pagoda, looking up into a pair of pale blue eyes.
“Trent,” the man said. His voice was soft, tender, and welcoming. Yet, it was also tinged with sadness.
Trent walked up the steps. Behind the man was a bed covered in white linen. The man reached out to him, took Trent’s hand, and pulled him close until they stood face to face. The man placed his hands on Trent’s waist and tilted his head to one side. Trent reached out, put his hands on either side of the man’s face, and drew him into a kiss. Their lips met. Trent felt a thrill of recognition and a surge of love. The man took Trent’s hand and led him to the bed; he lay down and opened his arms. Trent began to crawl onto the bed, his excitement rising.