His name was John and we met the same way I meet most people
in Philadelphia, A4A. We had been texting back and forth for quite some time,
we planned on meeting but with the holiday season close by family functions and
duties got in the way. We had one major thing in common, we were both
unemployed.
I found myself single and completely broke for new years and
so I decided to take john up on his offer of cuddling and watching a movie to
ring in the New Year. I took my time about getting dressed, did my makeup so it
hid only the major things and would not rub off on white sheets and then
preceded to my grandmother’s to have dinner.
John later sent me a text to tell me his friends were having
a party and I was more than welcomed to go with him if I wanted. I figured it
would be best to decided once I met him face to face.
I got his address and was soon on my way. I arrived to his
place about 7 and he was really good looking. He so much reminded me of Mr. M
it was crazy, mannerisms, voice, his naturally happy demeanor, and his ability
to make question constantly in my head if he was a top or a bottom.
We debated for almost half an hour if we would go to the
party I was up for it but I had my reservations. One I turned down another
party because I had no money to bring a bottle and I feel it is bad form to go
to a party and not bring something. But john convinced me it would be a good
time so I told him to decide and after a few mind games we were on our way.
The party was in south Philly and the host was not only
john’s best friend but a fellow gay. It was as I expected a grown up version of
a gay house party. After introductions conversations began and the host’s Dog,
Jake started the most interesting conversation I have ever been a part of.
There was a straight couple and they had an interesting pet,
a skunk. I thought they were joking but soon the camera came out and we were being
shown pictures of the skunk’s house and of course the skunk. I was completely
fascinated. They talked about t get a pet skunk and informed us that at 4 weeks
they remove the sack they use to spray. It thought it to be a cool idea for a
pet after hearing that.
As the night progressed there was mention of a common enemy,
a gay guy so gay and dramatic that I could not imagine what he would or could
even look like. The stories so unreal and hilarious I could not feel bad for
him at all. Every one present had a different story to share and after a while
I felt like I was watching an episode of Frasier, and hearing stories about
Niles’ wife Maris.
Soon more people arrived and the alcohol started to flow and
I felt like part of the party. I was laughing and even telling some of my own
stories. Then game time started, this was a group of friends who shared a major
common interest, Catch Phrase. I had never played and after tonight that would
be a thing of the past.
We played the random version; no score no teams, not for a
lack of trying. You would give the clues then toss the electronic hand held to
the person who guessed correctly. I don’t if it was the alcohol or the people
but it was a supper good time.
Then it was time for fireworks, Philadelphia loves
fireworks. There were several places in
south Philly letting off fireworks but this one spot had a huge production
going on second only to those let off at Penn’s landing. Several blocks full of
people and the countdown began. And hugs and kisses were passed around to the
sounds of people shouting happy New Year and oatmeal popping. Brotherly Love as
well as sparkles was in the air and I was feeling it strong, once the show was
over we began walking back to the party and people were stopping to hug and
kiss strangers to say happy new year, and in-between the well-wishing we passed
around Catch Phrase to keep the game going.
Once back at the party we added a bottle of champagne to the
game, if you were not giving clues you were chugging and passing. By the time
we left at 2am I was so drunk. John grabbed us a cab back to his place and all I
remember was talk of cuddling a sip of champagne and the opening credits to the
bucket list.
The next morning I had a hangover and tried to get my ass in
gear but it was not happening. We were invited to go see the mummers march down
Broad Street but with us bother suffering it did not happen.
I ended up leaving John’s place around 6pm we spent the day
watching movies and talking about the fun parts of our past. John made a great
impression on me and his friends were all totally awesome. I truly do hope I
get to see them all again and if not it made for one hell of a way to ring in
2013.
