Part Seven

‘…I don’t know who I am…’

Daniel was half-heartedly sorting out the classical section of the record store when he became aware of someone standing close behind him.

Turning round he expected to see another spotty teenager coming in to be parted from their pocket money. What he actually saw was Darren.

'Hi ya.' Darren greeted him warmly.

'Hi yourself.' Daniel returned his smile, glancing up and down, taking in the visage before him. Taking in Darren's denims, his trousers slung low on his hips, embroidered flowers creeping up from the hem to just below the knee, the unbleached cheesecloth shirt with it's billowing sleeves that came down to fasten at Darren's wrists, the bright blue scarf that he tied across his forehead and behind his ears to keep his hair out of his eyes.

Cautiously Daniel's eyes flicked over to where his boss was leaning on the counter watching with bemused interest.

As employers went his was amongst one of the best. The record store was a haven for local kids, the proprietor one of those rare creatures that didn’t object if people spent half an hour browsing and then still left without purchasing anything. Brightly coloured and highly artistic gig flyers adorned the walls and the stock that the store held was eclectic to say the least.

The Doors and Jefferson Aeroplane nestled comfortably along with Mozart and Beethoven. Jazz was only a few shelves away from The Grateful Dead. Andy Williams from The Beatles.

Daniel enjoyed working there, Michael was cool, the vibes good and he always got to play new stuff as it came in.

Right now The Byrds were exhorting the virtues of being ‘Eight Miles High.’

'Daniel, I've got to go out for a while, mind the register for me please.' Michael winked conspiratorially in Dan’s direction.

Daniel didn’t know how but somehow he just knew that Michael had figured it out. And what’s more appeared not to care.

'Sure thing.' Daniel gave a brief up-nod acknowledging the request as the bell on the door tinkled indicating that, baring any inconsiderate customers, they had the shop to themselves for a few minutes.

 ‘So,’ he enquired, moving to wrap his arms loosely round Darren’s waist, ‘what brings you down here?’

‘Can’t I drop in and see my boyfriend at work if I want to?’ Darren replied with a cheeky grin.

Dan felt a warm glow spread over his whole body. ‘Your boyfriend? Is that what I am then?’

‘I think so, don’t you?’

‘Mmmm, I think so, I like that.’ Daniel pulled him closer and leaning in gave Darren a soft kiss on the cheek. ‘So what are you *really* doing here?’

Darren gave a theatrical sigh. Busted.

‘I’m on my way to meet up with the others. There’s going to be a big demonstration downtown, outside the draft offices.’

‘You take care.’ One of Daniel’s hands moved to brush back an imaginary stray lock of Darren’s hair. Memories of what happened out at the campus were still un-nervingly fresh in his mind.

‘Always.’ Darren reassured him before breaking free of the circle of his embrace. ‘I’ll call you when I get back to my dorm.’

One last quick peck and Darren was gone. Off to fight the good fight and leaving Daniel alone with a bittersweet mix of emotions.

The rest of the afternoon and evening dragged by painfully slow for Daniel, he knew he wouldn’t be able to relax until he had heard from Darren.

For a long time he just lay on his bed staring up at the ceiling, staring long after the light had gone, making it impossible for him to see more than a few inches in front of his own nose.

Would Darren be ok? What if things turned violent again? Daniel briefly thought about going and trying to find him but quickly dismissed the idea. He had no way of knowing where he and his friends would be.

As the evening drew on and Darren didn’t call Daniel became increasingly concerned.

The rational part of his brain told him that Darren had probably just forgotten, had got so caught up in events that it had slipped his mind. Even now he was probably sat in a friend’s room somewhere, drinking endless cups of foul-tasting herbal tea, slowly getting stoned and discussing all that had passed that afternoon.

The irrational part of Daniel came up with a whole host of less savoury alternatives.

Despite all this Daniel couldn’t help the gnawing sensation deep in the pit of his stomach. Well there was nothing he could do, he just had to wait for Darren to get in contact.

Eventually he managed to convince himself that he was tired and stripping off his clothes got into bed proper, pulling the bedclothes tight around him, ignoring the summer heat and wishing that Darren was lying here beside him; that it was his body he had his arms wrapped around and not his own.

When his phone *did* ring it took Daniel a few seconds to place what it was through the cobwebs of his sleep-addled mind. The second thing he registered was that it was morning and bright sunlight was streaming through the window.

Stumbling over to the insistent machine, Daniel tripped over his abandoned shoes and lunged for the handset, greedily picking it up and praying that the voice he heard would be the right one.

It was.

‘Dan?’

‘Yeah?’

‘Dan…I…ermmm I need a favour.’

‘Darren where are you? Are you alright?’

‘Yeah, I’m fine. Can you come and get me?’

‘Darren where are you?’ Daniel repeated, all the frantic scenarios of the previous night quite merrily flashing through his mind.

‘I’m still downtown. Dan I’ve been arrested.’